Critical Reflection on the Hidden Influence of the British Monarchy on Politics

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Introduction
When someone becomes a member of the Parliament, he has to swear an oath of allegiance to the Crown, instead of swearing loyalty to the people who elected him. If he rejects to do so, that politician will not be able to take his seat and can also be fined. Same happens with judges and other public servants in the United Kingdom, who are, even if symbolically, servants of the Crown. This, however, is just a small visible end of the real power that the British –constitutional- monarchy holds over public employees.
Since the limitation of powers of the Crown in the XVII century the royals have been using their forceful influence in an unofficial way for their own benefit (Adams, 2010; Booth 2010 and 2011; Wilson, 1989). Taking into account that the United Kingdom has a democratic and constitutional political system, some serious questions arise from this: how the monarchy has been using –and abusing of- its powers? Until what extent they have deliberately interfered with the democratic public life? How politicians have reacted to its demands and why?
This essay reflects about these questions and explores the reasons of this hidden royal influence over the British politicians. Due to the length of the essay, it focuses on the last decades of Elizabeth II’s reign, though other royal personalities have also been considered.
In the first place, this essay briefly defines the slippery concept of constitutional monarchy. It introduces the topic with some notions about the historical background and the scope of powers the Crown enjoys. Secondly, it shows some recent cases where the Royal House has used its influence in an obscure way. The third section reflects about the reasons why the British monarchy has such a great influen...

... middle of paper ...

...Revolution, 1603-1714. BBC [Online] Last accessed 12th March 2014. Available at http://www.bbc.co.uk/history/british/civil_war_revolution/overview_civil_war_revolution_01.shtml
Whittam Smith, A. (2014) The row over Prince Charles’ letters is not just legal argument vs public interest. There are real constitutional implications. The Independent [Online] Last accessed 15th March 2014. Available at http://www.independent.co.uk/voices/comment/the-row-over-prince-charles-letters-is-not-just-legal-argument-vs-public-interest-there-are-real-constitutional-implications-9190718.html
Wilkinson, P. (2006) The British Monarchy for Dummies. John Wiley and Sons Ltd. Chichester
Wilson, E. (1989) The Myth of British Monarchy. The Journeyman Press Ltd and Republic, London
Woods, F.A. (1913) The Influence of Monarchs. Steps in a new Science of History. The MacMillan Company, New York

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