THE ROYAL BRITISH FAMILYINTRODUCTION

CHAPTER I: History of the Monarchy

1. Kings and Queens of England (up to 1603)

2. Kings and Queens of Scotland (up to 1603)

3. Kings and Queens of the United Kingdom (from 1603)

CHAPTER II: The Royal British Family

1. Members of the Royal Family

2. Titles and Successions

CHAPTER III: Art and Residences

1. The Royal Collection

2. Royal Residences

CHAPTER IV: The Monarchy Today

1. How the Monarchy works

2. The role of the Royal Family

3. Royal attributes and rights

4. Ceremony and symbol

5. Royal finances

CONCLUSION

BIBLIOGRAPHY

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ARGUMENTThe British Empire was the largest formal empire that the world had ever known. As such, its power and influence stretched all over the globe shaping it in all manner of ways.

I believe that the Royal British Family truly mirrors and in fact represents the greatness of the British Empire. It is perhaps one of the most popular monarchies of the world and as I discovered myself it is related to most monarchies in Europe. It is a vast institution that influenced a great deal the world that we see today.

I chose this topic for I am deeply interested in the culture of Britain in general and I feel that the Monarchy is an important and representative part of the culture of this country.

My intent was to get a glimpse at the history of the British Monarchy, find out interesting facts about its members and about the role they play in the British society. They are an institution that has kept its special status throughout the ages and it remains as complex, as powerful and popular as ever.

Introduction

Dating back over ten centuries, the Monarchy plays an important role in the UK and Commonwealth.

This work provides information on the work of The Queen in modern society, biographies of some of the most important present members of the Royal Family, a history of kings and queens through the ages and background on Royal residences and Art collections.

In Chapter 1, I dealt with the long and complex history of the Royal British family from the Middle Ages to the present day considering both rulers of

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England and Scotland. Until 1603 the English and Scottish Crowns were separate but after this date a single monarch reigned in the United Kingdom and thus the two crowns were combined.

The concept of Monarchy came into being with the birth of the concept of one ruler unifying different tribes into a centralised system of government. This was the doing of Alfred the Great the first significant figure of the English Monarchy and predecessor of Queen Elisabeth II.

Secondly, I looked into the life of some of the most important members of the present Monarchy considering aspects of their biographies exemplified through pictures. Moreover I presented aspects of their careers, military involvement, public work and interests. I also explained some guidelines about titles and succession. The succession to the throne is regulated both by descent and Parliamentary statute. Their formal titles signify their special role varying in different regions.

Furthermore in Chapter 3, I wrote about the Royal residences that have been the setting for nearly 1,000 years of British history. Their architecture and decoration reflect the personalities of successive kings and queens. These fascinating buildings also shelter magnificent works of art from the Royal Collection that are truly representatives for the Monarchy.

Lastly I dealt with aspects of the Monarchy today. It is the oldest form of government in the United Kingdom and today it is a constitutional monarchy. The queen is the Head of State but has no political or executive role. The ability to make and pass legislation resides with the elected Parliament. However, the British Sovereign plays an important part in the life of the nation. In addition to her constitutional duties, The Queen has an important role to play in public. A national figurehead, The Queen provides a focus for identity, offers recognition of achievement of all kinds, and supports the ideals of public and charitable work. This section also provides an outline of how the work of the Monarchy is funded. It includes information on Head of State expenditure, together with information about other aspects of Royal finances.

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CHAPTER I: History of the Monarchy

The Monarchy is the oldest institution of government in the United Kingdom. Until 1603 the English and Scottish Crowns were separate; after this date one monarch reigned in the United Kingdom.

1.     Kings and Queens of England (up to 1603)

The history of the English Crown up to the Union of the Crowns in 1603 is long and eventful.

The concept of a single ruler unifying different tribes based in England developed in the eighth and ninth centuries in figures such as Offa and Alfred the Great, who began to create centralised systems of government. Following the Norman Conquest, the machinery of government developed further, producing long-lived national institutions including Parliament.

The Middle Ages saw several fierce contests for the Crown, culminating in the Wars of the Roses, which lasted for nearly a century. The conflict was finally ended with the advent of the Tudors, the dynasty which produced some of England's most successful rulers and a flourishing cultural Renaissance.

The end of the Tudor line with the death of the 'Virgin Queen' in 1603 brought about the Union of the Crowns with Scotland.

Silver penny struck by King Offa of Mercia. Best known for Offa's Dyke, the largest protective frontier built in Anglo-Saxon England, Offa also issued a new silver coinage.

2.     Kings and Queens of Scotland (up to 1603)

The Scottish Crown has a long and complex history. From a number of local rulers governing separate territories and peoples, a single king emerged by the beginning of the twelfth century to govern most of what is today's Scotland. The thirteenth century was a time of instability for the Scottish Crown in the face of internal fighting and the Wars of Independence with England. A sense of nationhood and a stable monarchical succession began to develop from the fourteenth century onwards, culminating in the Stewart dynasty.

In 1603 a member of this dynasty, King James VI, succeeded to the English Crown. The Union of the Crowns was followed by the Union of the Parliaments in 1707. Although a new Scottish Parliament now determines much of Scotland's legislation, the two Crowns remain united under a single Sovereign, the present Queen.

3.     Kings and Queens of the United Kingdom (from 1603)

Pre-decimal coin from the reign of Queen Elizabeth II

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Until 1603 the English and Scottish Crowns were separate, although links between the two were always close - members of the two Royal families intermarried on many occasions. Following the Accession of King James VI of Scotland (I of England) to the English Throne, a single monarch reigned in the United Kingdom. The last four hundred years have seen many changes in the nature of the Monarchy in the United Kingdom. From the end of the 17th century, monarchs lost executive power and they increasingly became subject to Parliament, resulting in today's constitutional Monarchy.The Stuarts

The Stuarts were the first kings of the United Kingdom. King James I of England who began the period was also King James VI of Scotland, thus combining the two thrones for the first time. The Stuart dynasty reigned in England and Scotland from 1603 to 1714, a period which saw a flourishing Court culture but also much upheaval and instability, of plague, fire and war.

It was an age of intense religious debate and radical politics. Both contributed to a bloody civil war in the mid-seventeenth century between Crown and Parliament (the Cavaliers and the Roundheads), resulting in a parliamentary victory for Oliver Cromwell and the dramatic execution of King Charles I. There was a short-lived republic, the first time that the country had experienced such an event.

The Restoration of the Crown was soon followed by another 'Glorious' Revolution. William and Mary of Orange ascended the throne as joint monarchs and defenders of Protestantism, followed by Queen Anne, the second of James II's daughters.

The end of the Stuart line with the death of Queen Anne led to the drawing up of the Act of Settlement in 1701, which provided that only Protestants could hold the throne. The next in line according to the provisions of this act was George of Hanover, yet Stuart princes remained in the wings. The Stuart legacy was to linger on in the form of claimants to the Crown for another century.

Portrait of King Charles I, Queen Henrietta Maria and their two eldest children.

The Hanoverians

The Hanoverians came to power in difficult circumstances that looked set to undermine the stability of British society.

The first of their Kings, George I, was only 52nd in line to the throne, but the nearest Protestant according to the Act of Settlement. Two descendants of James II, the deposed Stuart king, threatened to take the throne, and were supported by a number of 'Jacobites' throughout the realm.

For all that, the Hanoverian period was remarkably stable, not least because of the longevity of its kings. From 1714 through to 1837, there were only five monarchs, one of whom, George III, remains the longest reigning king in British History.

The period was also one of political stability, and the development of constitutional monarchy. For vast tracts of the eighteenth century, great Whig families dominated politics,

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while the early nineteenth century saw Tory domination.

Britain's first 'Prime' Minister, Robert Walpole, dates from this period, and income tax was introduced. Towards the end of the Hanoverian period, the Great Reform Act was passed, which amongst other things widened the electorate.

It was also in this period that Britain came to acquire much of her overseas empire, despite the loss of the American colonies, largely through foreign conquest in the various wars of the century. By the end of the Hanoverian period, the British Empire covered a third of the globe.

The theme of longevity was set to continue, as the longest reigning monarch in British history, Queen Victoria, prepared to take the throne.

Portrait of George III, Queen Charlotte and their six eldest children. When George III was pronounced insane in 1810, Queen Charlotte was given custody - they had been married for nearly 50 years.

Saxe-Coburg-Gotha

The name Saxe-Coburg-Gotha came to the British Royal Family in 1840 with the marriage of Queen Victoria to Prince Albert, son of  Ernst, Duke of Saxe-Coburg & Gotha. Queen Victoria herself remained a member of the House of Hanover. The only British monarch of the House of Saxe-Coburg-Gotha was King Edward VII, who reigned for nine years at the beginning of the modern age in the early years of the twentieth century.

King George V replaced the German-sounding title with that of Windsor during the First World War. The name Saxe-Coburg-Gotha survived in other European monarchies, including the current Belgian Royal Family and the former monarchies of Portugal and Bulgaria.

An early photograph of Edward VII as Prince of Wales.

The House of Windsor

The House of Windsor came into being in 1917, when the name was adopted as the British Royal Family's official name by a proclamation of King George V, replacing the historic name of Saxe-Coburg-Gotha. It remains the family name of the current Royal Family. The present Queen has familial ties with most of the monarchs in Europe.

During the twentieth century, kings and queens of the United Kingdom have fulfilled the varied duties of constitutional monarchy. One of their most important roles has been acting as national figureheads lifting public morale during the devastating wars of 1914-18 and 1939-45. The period saw the modernisation of the monarchy in tandem with many social changes which have taken place over the past 90 years. One such modernisation has been the use of mass communication technologies to make the Royal Family accessible to a broader public all over the world.

George V adopted the relatively new medium of radio to broadcast across the Empire at Christmas; the Coronation ceremony was broadcast on television for the first time in 1953, at

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The Queen's insistence; and the World Wide Web has been used for the past seven years to provide a global audience with information about the Royal Family.

During this period, British monarchs have also played a vital part in promoting international relations. The Queen retains close links with former colonies in her role as Head of the Commonwealth.

Members of the Royal Family enjoying celebrations for The Queen's Golden Jubilee, 4 June 2002.

GEORGE V (r. 1910-36)

George V's reign began amid the continuing constitutional crisis over the House of Lords, which refused to pass a Parliament Bill limiting its powers (which would remove its power to veto a Bill from the Commons). After the Liberal government obtained the King's promise to create sufficient peers to overcome Conservative opposition in the Lords (and won a second election in 1910), the Parliament Bill was passed by the Lords in 1911 without a mass creation of peers. George visited India in 1911, the only King-Emperor to do so. He was accompanied by his wife, Queen Mary.

In 1914 the First World War broke out. The King made over 450 visits to troops and over 300 visits to hospitals visiting wounded servicemen, he pressed for proper treatment of German prisoners-of-war and he pressed also for more humane treatment of conscientious objectors. In 1917 anti-German feeling led him to adopt the family name of Windsor (after the Castle of the same name).

Support for home rule for Ireland had grown in the late 19th century. This was resisted by the Unionists in the north and by the Conservative Party. The 1916 Easter Rising in Dublin, and subsequent civil war, resulted in the setting up of the Irish Free State (later to become the Irish Republic) in 1922, while the six northern counties remained part of the United Kingdom. George played a conciliatory role on this, and on other occasions, such as the General Strike of 1926. George readily accepted the first Labour government in 1924. Following the world slump of 1929, the King persuaded the Labour leader to head a National Government composed of all parties, which won the election of 1931.

The Statute of Westminster of 1931 meant Dominion Parliaments could now pass laws without reference to United Kingdom laws, and abolished various reserve powers still possessed by the Crown and Parliament. This paradoxically increased the monarchy's importance, since the Dominions (no longer subordinated to one supreme Parliament at Westminster) were now linked through common allegiance to the Crown.

George started the annual Christmas Broadcast by the sovereign to the Empire (more recently to the Commonwealth), the first being transmitted in 1932.

In 1935, the King celebrated his Silver Jubilee, an occasion of great public rejoicing.

He died in 1936 and his son Edward succeeded to the throne.

George V by Sir (Samuel) Luke Fildes (1843-1927).

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EDWARD VIII (r. JANUARY-DECEMBER 1936)

As Prince of Wales, Edward VIII (reigned January-December 1936) had successfully carried out a number of regional visits (including areas hit by economic depression) and other official engagements. These visits and his official tours overseas, together with his good war record and genuine care for the underprivileged, had made him popular.

The first monarch to be a qualified pilot, Edward created The King's Flight (now known as 32 (The Royal) Squadron) in 1936 to provide air transport for the Royal family's official duties.

In 1930, the Prince, who had already had a number of affairs, had met and fallen in love with a married American woman, Mrs Wallis Simpson. Concern about Edward's private life grew in the Cabinet, opposition parties and the Dominions, when Mrs Simpson obtained a divorce in 1936 and it was clear that Edward was determined to marry her.

Eventually Edward realised he had to choose between the Crown and Mrs Simpson who, as a twice-divorced woman, would not have been acceptable as Queen.

On 10 December 1936, Edward VIII executed an Instrument of Abdication which was given legal effect the following day, when Edward gave Royal Assent to His Majesty's Declaration of Abdication Act, by which Edward VIII and any children he might have were excluded from succession to the throne.

In 1937, Edward was created Duke of Windsor and married Wallis Simpson in a ceremony in France.

During the Second World War, the Duke of Windsor escaped from Paris, where he was living at the time of the fall of France, to Lisbon in 1940. The Duke of Windsor was then appointed Governor of the Bahamas, a position he held until 1945. He lived abroad until the end of his life, dying in 1972 in Paris (he is buried at Windsor).

Edward was never crowned; his reign lasted only 325 days. His brother Albert became King, using his last name George.

The Duke of Windsor, formerly Edward VIII.

GEORGE VI (r. 1936-52)

George VI became King unexpectedly following the abdication of his brother, King Edward VIII, in 1936.A conscientious and dedicated man, he worked hard to adapt to the role into which he was suddenly thrown. Reserved by nature, and of deep religious belief, he was helped in his work by his wife. He had married Lady Elizabeth Bowes-Lyon in 1923.

His greatest achievements came during the Second World War, when he remained for most of the time at Buckingham Palace (the Palace was bombed nine times during the war). He and his wife, Queen Elizabeth, visited severely bombed areas in the East End of London and elsewhere in the country, gained him great popularity. The King developed a close working relationship with his wartime Prime Minister, Winston Churchill, as most of Europe fell to Nazi Germany.

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Recognising the total nature of modern warfare, in 1940 the King instituted the George Cross and George Medal, to be awarded for acts of bravery by citizens. In 1942, the George Cross was awarded to the island and people of Malta in recognition of the heroism with which they had resisted the enemy siege. Having served in the Navy during the First World War, including the Battle of Jutland, the King was anxious to visit his troops whenever possible. He went to France in 1939 to inspect the British Expeditionary Force, and to North Africa in 1943 after the victory of El Alamein.

In June 1944, the King visited his Army on the Normandy beaches 10 days after D-Day, and later that year he visited troops in Italy and the Low Countries. On VE (Victory in Europe) Day, 8 May 1945, Buckingham Palace was a focal point of the celebrations. The war had immeasurably strengthened the link between the King and his people.

In 1947, the King undertook a major tour of South Africa, accompanied by the Queen and their daughters, Princess Elizabeth and Princess Margaret - the first time a monarch had undertaken a tour with his family. When India and Pakistan became independent in 1947, George ceased to be Emperor of India. Changes in the Commonwealth meant that its tie was no longer based on common allegiance to the Crown, but upon recognition of the Sovereign as Head of the Commonwealth.

These changes in the Commonwealth relationship and the social reforms of the post-war Labour government occurred against the background of Britain's weak post-war economic position and the beginning of the Cold War, which meant that the privations of war were extended well into the post-war period.

By 1948, it seemed that Britain had overcome the worst hardships of the post-war years, but the strain of the Second World War and the tensions of the post-war period had taken their toll on the King's health. The King failed to recover from a lung operation, and died in his sleep on 6 February 1952 at Sandringham; he was aged 56. After lying in state at Westminster Hall, the King's funeral was held at St George's Chapel, Windsor, where he lies buried.

Photograph of George VI by Karsh of Ottawa.

ELIZABETH II (r. 1952-PRESENT)

The present Queen was born in London on 21 April 1926, the first child of The Duke and Duchess of York. Although when born it was unlikely that she would become Queen, events in the 1930s led to her father's Accession and her becoming heir to the Throne.

The Accession of The Queen in 1952 was sudden, although not entirely unexpected owing to the ill-health of King George VI. The Queen's Coronation followed on 2 June 1953.

For more than 50 years, during a period of great social change, The Queen has carried out her political duties as Head of State, the ceremonial responsibilities of the Sovereign and an unprecedented programme of visits in the United Kingdom, Commonwealth and overseas.

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Painting of The Queen by Pietro Annigoni.

The Queen is the fortieth monarch since William the Conqueror, and is also the great-great-grand daughter of Queen Victoria.

The Queen is Head of State of the UK and 15 other Commonwealth realms.

The elder daughter of King George VI and Queen Elizabeth, she was born in 1926. She became Queen at the age of 25, and has reigned through more than five decades of enormous social change and development.

The Queen is married to Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh, and has four children and eight grandchildren.

Her Majesty is 38th in direct line of descent from Egbert (c. 775-839), King of Wessex from 802 and of England 827 to 839. She is the fortieth monarch since William I (William the Conqueror), and also the great-great-granddaughter of Queen Victoria.

CHAPTER II:

THE ROYAL BRITISH FAMILY1.MEMBERS OF THE ROYAL FAMILY

Her Majesty The QueenFormal portrait of The Queen.

The Queen was born at 2.40am on 21 April 1926 at 17 Bruton Street in Mayfair, London. She was the first child of The Duke and Duchess of York, who later became King George VI and Queen Elizabeth.

At the time she stood third in line of succession to the throne after Edward, Prince of Wales (later King Edward VIII), and her father, The Duke of York. But it was not expected that her father would become King, or that she would become Queen.

The Princess was christened Elizabeth Alexandra Mary in the private chapel at Buckingham Palace. She was named after her mother, while her two middle names are those of her paternal great-grandmother, Queen Alexandra, and paternal grandmother, Queen Mary. The Princess's early years were spent at 145 Piccadilly, the London house taken by her parents shortly after her birth, and at White Lodge in Richmond Park.

She also spent time at the country homes of her paternal grandparents, King George V and Queen Mary, and her mother's parents, the Earl and Countess of Strathmore. In 1930, Princess Elizabeth gained a sister, with the birth of Princess Margaret Rose. The family of four was very close. When she was six years old, her parents took over Royal Lodge in Windsor Great

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Park as their own country home. In the grounds of Royal Lodge Princess Elizabeth had her own small house, Y Bwthyn Bach (the Little Cottage), which was given to her by the people of Wales in 1932.

Princess Elizabeth's quiet family life came to an end in 1936, when her grandfather, King George V, died. His eldest son came to the throne as King Edward VIII, but, before the end of the year, King Edward VIII had decided to give up the throne in order to marry the woman he loved, Mrs Wallis Simpson.

Upon his abdication, Princess Elizabeth's father acceded to the throne as King George VI, and in 1937 the two Princesses attended their parents' coronation in Westminster Abbey.Princess Elizabeth was now first in line to the throne, and a figure of even more intense public interest.

Portrait of Princess Elizabeth and Prince Philip on their wedding day, 20 November 1947.

As well as being Head of State, The Queen is a wife, mother and grandmother.

Shortly after the Royal Family returned from South Africa in 1947, the Princess's engagement to Lieutenant Philip Mountbatten was announced.

The couple, who had known each other for many years, were married in Westminster Abbey on 20 November 1947. The event was fairly simple, as Britain was still recovering from the war, and Princess Elizabeth had to collect clothing coupons for her dress, like any other young bride. They spent their honeymoon at Broadlands, Hampshire, the home of Lord Mountbatten, and at Birkhall, Balmoral.

Lieutenant Mountbatten, now His Royal Highness The Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh, was the son of Prince Andrew of Greece and a great-great-grandson of Queen Victoria. The Queen has paid public tribute to her husband on several occasions, recalling his loyal support and service to the country.

They have four children, and eight grandchildren.

Prince Charles, now The Prince of Wales, heir apparent to the throne, was born in 1948, and his sister, Princess Anne, now The Princess Royal, two years later.

After Princess Elizabeth became Queen, their third child, Prince Andrew, arrived in 1960 and the fourth, Prince Edward, in 1964. Prince Andrew and Prince Edward were the first children to be born to a reigning monarch since Queen Victoria had her family.

Their grandchildren are Peter and Zara Phillips (b. 1977 and 1981); Prince William of Wales and Prince Henry of Wales (b. 1982 and 1984); Princess Beatrice of York and Princess Eugenie of York (b. 1988 and 1990); and The Lady Louise Windsor and Viscount Severn (b. 2003 and 2007).

Family life has been an essential support to The Queen throughout her reign. The family usually spends Christmas together at Sandringham in Norfolk, attending church on Christmas Day.

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And in the summer of 2006, The Queen celebrated her 80th birthday by taking a cruise with all her family through the Western Isles of Scotland.

HRH Prince Philip, Duke of EdinburghFormal portrait of Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh.

Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh, Earl of Merioneth and Baron Greenwich, has been married to The Queen since 1947.

He was born Prince of Greece and Denmark in Corfu in 1921, but renounced his Royal title when he became a naturalised British subject in 1947.

Having joined the Royal Navy in 1939, Prince Philip saw active service throughout the Second World War, rising to the rank of Lieutenant. He was present in Tokyo harbour when Japan surrendered.

After Princess Elizabeth became Queen, Prince Philip gave up his naval career to support The Queen in her duties. The Duke of Edinburgh has no constitutional role other than as a Privy Counsellor, and sees no State papers.

But through his active support of a wide range of charities, and through his own initiatives for young people, The Duke of Edinburgh has played a major role both nationally and internationally.

Like The Queen, Prince Philip is a great-great-grandchild of Queen Victoria. The Queen and Prince Philip are also related through his father's side. His paternal grandfather, King George I of Greece, was Queen Alexandra's brother.

Since The Queen's accession, The Duke of Edinburgh has played a prominent part in many aspects of national life.

The Duke of Edinburgh accompanies The Queen on all her Commonwealth tours and State visits overseas, as well as on tours and visits to all parts of the United Kingdom. He has also travelled abroad a great deal on his own account.

In 2005 he undertook around 406 engagements with The Queen and on his own in the UK and abroad.

He is patron or president of some 800 organisations, with special interests in scientific and technological research and development, the encouragement of sport, the welfare of young people, and conservation and the environment.

Industry is a particular interest, and there is hardly an aspect of the UK's industrial life with which Prince Philip is not familiar.

He has visited research stations and laboratories, coalmines and factories, engineering works and industrial plants - all with the aim of understanding, and contributing to the improvement of, British industrial life.

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As Patron of The Work Foundation, he has sponsored six conferences on the human problems of industrial communities within the Commonwealth.

The environment is another key interest. Since visiting Antarctica and the South Atlantic in 1956-57, Prince Philip has devoted himself to raising public awareness of the relationship of humanity with the environment.

He was the first President of World Wildlife Fund - UK (WWF) from its formation in 1961 to 1982, and International President of WWF (later the World Wide Fund for Nature) from 1981 to 1996. He is now President Emeritus of WWF.

TRH The Prince of Wales and The Princess of WalesThe Prince of Wales and The Duchess of Cornwall.

The Prince of Wales is the eldest son of The Queen and The Duke of Edinburgh. Born in 1948, he is heir apparent to the throne.

The Prince of Wales married Mrs Camilla Parker Bowles on 9 April 2005 at a civil ceremony at the Guildhall in Windsor, followed by a service of prayer and dedication in St. George's Chapel, Windsor Castle.

After the wedding, Mrs Parker Bowles became known as HRH The Duchess of Cornwall. When The Prince of Wales accedes to the throne, she will be known as HRH The Princess Consort.

Together, they undertake an enormous range of public duties, supporting The Queen and working on behalf of a large number of charities and other organisations.

The Prince of Wales is the eldest son of The Queen and Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh.

Born in 1948, he is the 21st holder of the title Prince of Wales in the last 700 years.

On the accession of Queen Elizabeth in 1952, he became heir apparent to the throne. He also automatically became Duke of Cornwall, Duke of Rothesay, Earl of Carrick and Baron Renfrew, Lord of the Isles, and Prince and Great Steward of Scotland. He was formally invested as Prince of Wales in 1969.

While there is no formal constitutional role for the heir to the throne, The Prince of Wales takes a keen and, where possible, active interest in all areas of public life.

He supports The Queen in her work, seeks to promote and protect national traditions, virtues and excellence in a non-political way, and acts as a charitable entrepreneur through a range of initiatives.

He is supported in his work by his wife, The Duchess of Cornwall, and increasingly by his sons, Prince William and Prince.

PRINCE WILLIAMPrince William visits St Mary's

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Hospital in London, where he was born, to open a new Baby Unit in September 2006.

Prince William is the elder son of The Prince of Wales and Diana, Princess of Wales.

He was born at 9.03pm on 21 June 1982, at St Mary's Hospital, Paddington, London. A bulletin announced that the Royal baby weighed 7lb 1 1/2oz.

On 4 August 1982, Prince William Arthur Philip Louis was christened by the Archbishop of Canterbury, Dr Robert Runcie, in the Music Room at Buckingham Palace.

After attending Mrs Mynors School, Prince William became a pupil at Wetherby School in London, from 15 January 1987 until 5 July 1990.

From September 1990, The Prince attended Ludgrove School in Berkshire, for five years until 5 July 1995. He then attended Eton College from July 1995 and studied Geography, Biology and History of Art at A Level.

Prince William was 15-years-old when Diana, Princess of Wales was killed in a car crash in Paris on 31 August 1997. Prince William and Prince Harry walked behind their mother's cortege at her funeral which was held at Westminster Abbey on 6th September 1997.

After a gap year in which he visited Chile, Belize, worked on British dairy farms and visited countries in Africa, Prince William chose to study at St Andrews University in Fife, Scotland. He graduated with a 2:1 in Geography in 2005.

After a period of work experience, Prince William joined the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst as an Officer Cadet.He was commissioned as an army officer in front of Her Majesty The Queen at Sandhurst in December 2006 and joined the Household Cavalry (Blues and Royals) as a Second Lieutenant.

To mark a decade since the death of Diana, Princess of Wales, Prince William and Prince Harry organised two major events to commemorate and celebrate the life of their mother. The first was the Concert for Diana, which was held at Wembley Stadium on 1 July 2007, on what would have been The Princess's 46th birthday. The event featured some of their mother's and some of their own favourite artists. All of the artists were invited to perform by Prince William and Prince Harry.

The second event was a Thanksgiving Service for Diana, Princess of Wales held at the Guards' Chapel in Wellington Barracks, London. The service, held on 31 August 2007, the 10th anniversary of the Princess's death, was attended by members of the Royal Family, the Spencer family, charity representatives and friends of the late Princess. Prince William, Prince Harry and Lady Sarah McCorquodale gave readings.

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In 2008, Prince William will serve on attachment to the Royal Navy and the Royal Air Force following the completion of his time as an armoured reconnaissance troop leader with the Household Cavalry Regiment. These attachments will enable Prince William to share the working lives of airmen and sailors, and to make comparisons with his own experience to date as an Army officer.

PRINCE HARRYPrince Harry at the Trooping the Colour Parade in 2006

Prince Harry is the younger son of The Prince of Wales and Diana, Princess of Wales.

He was born at 4.20pm on 15 September 1984 at St Mary's Hospital, Paddington, in central London. He weighed 6lb 14oz.

On 21st December 1984, Prince Henry Charles Albert David was christened by the Archbishop of Canterbury, Dr Robert Runcie, in St George's Chapel, Windsor.

After attending Mrs Mynors School, Prince Harry became a pupil at Wetherby School in London, from September 1987. In September 1992, Harry joined his older brother William at Ludgrove School in Berkshire where he stayed for five years.

Prince Harry was 12-years-old when Diana, Princess of Wales was killed in a car crash in Paris on 31 August 1997. Prince William and Prince Harry walked behind their mother's cortege at her funeral which was held at Westminster Abbey on 6th September 1997.

He then attended Eton College from September 1998 where he took both his GCSE and A Levels exams.

After completing his A Levels, Prince Harry took a gap year during which he visited Australia, Argentina and Africa, where he made a documentary about the plight of orphans in Lesotho.

Prince Harry passed the Regular Commissions Board and entered Sandhurst in May 2005. He successfully completed a 44-week training course as an Officer Cadet, before being commissioned in April 2006 as a Cornet in the Household Cavalry (Blues and Royals). He was posted to Windsor in May 2006 as a Troop Leader.

In February 2007, a joint statement from the Ministry of Defence and Clarence House announced that Cornet Wales would deploy to Iraq later in the year in command of a troop from 'A Squadron' of the Household Cavalry Regiment.

To mark a decade since the death of Diana, Princess of Wales, Prince William and Prince Harry organised two major events to commemorate and celebrate the life of their mother. The first was the Concert for Diana, which was held at Wembley Stadium on 1 July 2007, on what would have been The Princess's 46th birthday. The event featured some of their mother's and some of their own favourite artists. All of the artists were invited to perform by Prince William and Prince Harry.

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The second event was a Thanksgiving Service for Diana, Princess of Wales held at the Guards' Chapel in Wellington Barracks, London. The service, held on 31 August 2007, the 10th anniversary of the Princess's death, was attended by members of the Royal Family, the Spencer family, charity representatives and friends of the late Princess. Prince William, Prince Harry and Lady Sarah McCorquodale gave readings.

HRH The Duke of YorkThe Duke of York at work at his desk

The Duke of York is the second son and the third child of The Queen and The Duke of Edinburgh.

Named Andrew Albert Christian Edward, he was known as Prince Andrew until his marriage, when he was created The Duke of York, Earl of Inverness and Baron Killyleagh.

Prince Andrew served for 22 years in the Royal Navy as a helicopter pilot, seeing active service during the Falklands Campaign of 1982.

Since leaving the Royal Navy, The Duke of York has worked as the UK's Special Representative for International Trade and Investment.

In this role, His Royal Highness is responsible for promoting the UK as an attractive business destination for inward investors, helping British business to improve its prospects in international markets, and improving opportunities for UK companies wishing to expand their export potential.

He also carries out Royal duties in support of The Queen and works for a large number of charities and other organisations.

TRH The Earl and Countess of EssexThe Earl and Countess of Wessex

The Earl of Wessex is the third son and youngest child of The Queen and The Duke of Edinburgh. He was born on 10 March 1964 and christened Edward Antony Richard Louis.

Upon his marriage to Miss Sophie Rhys-Jones in 1999, he was created The Earl of Wessex and Viscount Severn. At the same time it was announced that His Royal Highness will be given the title Duke of Edinburgh in due course, when the present title now held by Prince Philip eventually reverts to the Crown.

The Earl and Countess of Wessex carry out many engagements in support of The Queen, and on behalf of a diverse range of organisations in the fields of young people, the arts, disability and communication.

Their Royal Highnesses have a daughter, Lady Louise, who was born in 2003 and a son, Viscount Severn, who was born on 17 December 2007.

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HRH The Princess RoyalThe Princess Royal

The Princess Royal is the second child and only daughter of The Queen and The Duke of Edinburgh.

Born Princess Anne in 1950, she received the title Princess Royal from The Queen in June 1987.

Since 1969 The Princess Royal has pursued a busy schedule of public duties. In addition to carrying out engagements in support of The Queen, she works on behalf of a broad range of organisations.

She has a high-profile role as President of Save the Children Fund, and is a member of the International Olympic Committee.

The Princess Royal has also been closely involved in the creation of a number of charities, including The Princess Royal Trust for Carers, Riders for Health and Transaid.

Her work takes her all over the world, including visits to many developing countries to see the work of the organisations with which she is involved.

TRH The Duke and Duchess of GloucesterThe Duke and Duchess of Gloucester

Born in 1944, The Duke of Gloucester is the second son of the late Duke of Gloucester and the late Princess Alice, Duchess of Gloucester.

He is a grandson of George V and a first cousin to The Queen. He succeeded his father as Duke of Gloucester in June 1974.

In July 1972 Prince Richard (as he was then known) married Birgitte Eva van Deurs from Odense, Denmark at St Andrew's Church, Barnwell, Northamptonshire.

The Duke and Duchess of Gloucester have three children: (Alexander) Earl of Ulster, born in 1974; The Lady Davina Windsor, born in 1977; and The Lady Rose Windsor, born in 1980.

The Duke and Duchess of Gloucester both carry out a large number of official engagements each year, individually and together. They undertake visits in regions throughout the United Kingdom and travel abroad on official visits and to support their varied patronages.

TRH The Duke and Duchess of KentThe Duke and Duchess of Kent

Born in 1935, The Duke of Kent is the son of the late Prince George, fourth son of King George V, and the late Princess Marina, daughter of Prince Nicholas of Greece.

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He is cousin to both The Queen and The Duke of Edinburgh. The present Duke of Kent inherited his title following the early death of his father in 1942.

In 1961 The Duke of Kent became engaged to Miss Katharine Worsley and they married in York Minster. The couple have three children: George, Earl of St Andrews, born in June 1962; Lady Helen Taylor, born in April 1964 and Lord Nicholas Windsor, born on 25 July 1970.

The Duke and The Duchess of Kent undertake a large number of official Royal engagements. Each has close associations with many charities, professional bodies and other organisations.

TRH Prince and Princess Michael of KentPrince and Princess Michael of Kent with their children

Prince Michael was born on 4 July 1942 at the family home in Iver, Buckinghamshire.

He was christened Michael George Charles Franklin and one of his godfathers was President Roosevelt of the USA.

Prince Michael's father, Prince George, was the fourth son of George V and his mother, Princess Marina, was the daughter of Prince Nicholas of Greece.

He is a cousin to both The Queen and The Duke of Edinburgh, and his older brother and sister are The Duke of Kent and Princess Alexandra.

Prince Michael is not in the line of succession to the throne, and receives no public money. He therefore runs his own private consulting business, which helps Prince and Princess Michael to fund and carry out charitable and public duties.

HRH Princess AlexandraFormal portrait of Princess Alexandra

Princess Alexandra is The Queen's first cousin.

Born in 1936, she is the second child and only daughter of the late Duke and Duchess of Kent.

Her father, Prince George, Duke of Kent, was the younger brother of King George VI. Her mother was born Princess Marina of Greece and Denmark.

Her brothers are the present Duke of Kent and Prince Michael of Kent.

Since the late 1950s, Princess Alexandra has carried out a wide range of Royal engagements in support of The Queen, and on behalf of many charities and organisations.

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2.TITLES AND SUCCESSIONThe Queen with The Prince of Wales and Prince William, who are first and second in the order of succession

When a monarch dies, or abdicates, a successor is immediately decided according to rules which were laid down at the end of the seventeenth century.

These guidelines, and the current order of succession in the Royal Family, are explained in this section.

The family name of the House of Windsor dates back to 1917, when King George V decided to adopt it. This section also contains information about Royal surnames - whether members of the Royal Family have one, and, if so, what it is.

Most members of the Royal Family, however, are known by formal titles which date back centuries - for example, The Prince of Wales and The Princess Royal. Read about the history of Royal titles in this section.

SUCCESSION

The succession to the throne is regulated not only through descent, but also by Parliamentary statute.

The order of succession is the sequence of members of the Royal Family in the order in which they stand in line to the throne.

The basis for the succession was determined in the constitutional developments of the seventeenth century, which culminated in the Bill of Rights (1689) and the Act of Settlement (1701).

When James II fled the country in 1688, Parliament held that he had 'abdicated the government' and that the throne was vacant. The throne was then offered, not to James's young son, but to his daughter Mary and her husband William of Orange, as joint rulers.

It therefore came to be established not only that the Sovereign rules through Parliament, but that the succession to the throne can be regulated by Parliament, and that a Sovereign can be deprived of his title through misgovernment.

The succession to the throne is regulated not only through descent, but also by statute; the Act of Settlement confirmed that it was for Parliament to determine the title to the throne.

The Act laid down that only Protestant descendants of Princess Sophia - the Electress of Hanover and granddaughter of James I - are eligible to succeed. Subsequent Acts have confirmed this.

Parliament, under the Bill of Rights and the Act of Settlement, also laid down various conditions

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which the Sovereign must meet. A Roman Catholic is specifically excluded from succession to the throne; nor may the Sovereign marry a Roman Catholic.

The Sovereign must, in addition, be in communion with the Church of England and must swear to preserve the established Church of England and the established Church of Scotland. The Sovereign must also promise to uphold the Protestant succession.

Line of succession

Sovereign1. The Prince of Wales2. Prince William of Wales3. Prince Henry of Wales4. The Duke of York5. Princess Beatrice of York6. Princess Eugenie of York7. The Earl of Wessex8. Viscount Severn9. The Lady Louise Windsor10. The Princess Royal11. Mr. Peter Phillips12. Miss Zara Phillips13. Viscount Linley14. The Hon. Charles Armstrong-Jones15. The Hon. Margarita Armstrong-Jones16. The Lady Sarah Chatto17. Master Samuel Chatto18. Master Arthur Chatto19. The Duke of Gloucester20. Earl of Ulster

ROYAL TITLES

Members of the Royal Family have a number of formal titles to signify their special role, and often varying in different regions and countries.

Royal titles date back centuries.

The Queen's formal style and title vary slightly in each of her realms, taking into account the fact that she is Queen of different countries, and is Head of the Commonwealth.

The current Prince of Wales is the 21st to hold the title, in a line which began in 1301, when Edward I formally created his son, later Edward II, Prince of Wales. The title is intended for the male heir

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apparent to the throne, but there is no automatic succession. The title is renewed only at the Sovereign's pleasure.

The style Princess Royal is usually given by the Sovereign to his or her eldest daughter. It is regarded as a style rather than a rank or title, as it is purely honorary, bearing no particular connotation of precedence. It was introduced by Charles I for his eldest daughter, Princess Mary, in the seventeenth century.

ROYAL FAMILY NAME

Members of the Royal Family can be known both by the name of their Royal house, and by a surname, which are not always the same. And often they do not use a surname at all.

People often ask whether members of the Royal Family have a surname, and, if so, what it is.

The situation of members of the Royal Family is more complex than for most people, as they can be known both by the name of the Royal house, and by a surname, which are not always the same.

Before 1917, members of the British Royal Family had no surname, but only the name of the house or dynasty to which they belonged.

Kings and princes were historically known by the names of the countries over which they and their families ruled. Kings and queens therefore signed themselves by their first names only, a tradition in the United Kingdom which has continued to the present day.

The names of dynasties tended to change when the line of succession was taken by a rival faction within the family (for example, Henry IV and the Lancastrians, Edward IV and the Yorkists, Henry VII and the Tudors), or when succession passed to a different family branch through females (for example, Henry II and the Angevins, James I and the Stuarts, George I and the Hanoverians).

Just as children can take their surnames from their father, so sovereigns normally take the name of their 'House' from their father. For this reason, Queen Victoria's eldest son Edward VII belonged to the House of Saxe-Coburg-Gotha (the family name of his father Prince Albert). Edward VII's son George V became the second king of that dynasty when he succeeded to the throne in 1910.

In 1917, there was a radical change, when George V specifically adopted Windsor, not only as the name of the 'House' or dynasty, but also as the surname of his family. The family name was changed as a result of anti-German feeling during the First World War, and the name Windsor was adopted after the Castle of the same name. At a meeting of the Privy Council on 17 July 1917, George V declared that 'all descendants in the male line of Queen Victoria, who are subjects of these realms, other than female descendants who marry or who have married, shall bear the name of Windsor'.                   The Royal Family name of Windsor was confirmed by The Queen after her accession in 1952. However, in 1960, The Queen and The Duke of Edinburgh decided that they would like their own direct descendants to be distinguished from the rest of the Royal Family (without changing the name of the Royal House), as Windsor is the surname used by all the male and unmarried female descendants of George V. It was therefore declared in the Privy Council that The Queen's descendants, other than those with the style of Royal Highness and the title

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of Prince/Princess, or female descendants who marry, would carry the name of Mountbatten-Windsor.

This reflected Prince Philip's surname. In 1947, when Prince Philip of Greece became naturalised, he assumed the name of Philip Mountbatten as a Lieutenant in the Royal Navy. The effect of the declaration was that all The Queen's children, on occasions when they needed a surname, would have the surname Mountbatten-Windsor. For the most part, members of the Royal Family who are entitled to the style and dignity of HRH Prince or Princess do not need a surname, but if at any time any of them do need a surname (such as upon marriage), that surname is Mountbatten-Windsor.

The surname Mountbatten-Windsor first appeared on an official document on 14 November 1973, in the marriage register at Westminster Abbey for the marriage of Princess Anne and Captain Mark Phillips. A proclamation on the Royal Family name by the reigning monarch is not statutory; unlike an Act of Parliament, it does not pass into the law of the land. Such a proclamation is not binding on succeeding reigning sovereigns, nor does it set a precedent which must be followed by reigning sovereigns who come after. Unless The Prince of Wales chooses to alter the present decisions when he becomes king, he will continue to be of the House of Windsor and his grandchildren will use the surname Mountbatten-Windsor.

CHAPTER III:

ART AND RESIDENCES1.THE ROYAL COLLECTION

Shaped by the personal tastes of kings and queens over more than 500 years, the Royal Collection includes paintings, drawings and watercolours, furniture, ceramics, clocks, silver, sculpture, jewellery, books, manuscripts, prints and maps, arms and armour, fans, and textiles. It is is held in trust by The Queen as Sovereign for her successors and the Nation, and is not owned by her as a private individual.

The Collection has largely been formed since the Restoration of the Monarchy in 1660. Some items belonging to earlier monarchs, for  example Henry VIII, also survive. 

The greater part of the magnificent collection inherited and added to by Charles I was dispersed on Cromwell's orders during the Interregnum.

The Royal patrons now chiefly associated with notable additions to the Collection are Frederick, Prince of Wales; George III; George IV; Queen Victoria and Prince Albert; and Queen Mary, Consort of George V.

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The Royal Collection is on display at the principal royal residences, all of which are open to the public. Unlike most art collections of national importance, works of art from the Royal Collection can be enjoyed in the historic settings for which they were originally commissioned or acquired. Much of the Collection is still in use at the working royal palaces.

The official residences of The Queen have a programme of changing exhibitions to show further areas of the Collection to the public, particularly those items that cannot be on permanent display for conservation reasons.

Loans are made to institutions throughout the world, as part of the commitment to make the Collection widely available and to show works of art in new contexts. Touring exhibitions remain an important part of the Royal Collection's work to broaden public access. 

Over 3,000 objects from the Royal Collection are on long-term loan to museums and galleries around the United Kingdom and abroad. National institutions housing works of art from the Collection include The British Museum, National Gallery, the Victoria and Albert Museum, the Museum of London, the National Museum of Wales and the National Gallery of Scotland.

The Royal Collection is the only collection of major national importance to receive no Government funding or public subsidy and is administered by the Royal Collection Trust, a registered charity. 

The Trust was set up by The Queen in 1993 under the chairmanship of The Prince of Wales, following the establishment of the Royal Collection Department as a new department of the Royal Household in 1987.

Income from the public opening of Windsor Castle, Buckingham Palace and the Palace of Holyroodhouse and from associated retail activities supports curatorial, conservation and educational work, loans and travelling exhibitions and major capital projects.

These projects include the restoration of Windsor Castle after the fire in 1992, the rebuilding of The Queen's Gallery at Buckingham Palace and the construction of an entirely new gallery at the Palace of Holyroodhouse.

2.ROYAL RESIDENCES

The residences associated with today's Royal Family are divided into occupied Royal residences, which are held in trust for future generations, and private estates which have been handed down to The Queen by earlier generations of the Royal Family.

Beautifully furnished with treasures from the Royal Collection, most of the Royal residences are open to the public when not in official use.

Throughout the centuries, Britain's kings and queens have built or bought palaces to serve as family homes, workplaces and as centres of government.

The residences associated with today's Royal Family are divided into the Occupied Royal Residences, which are held in trust for future generations, and the Private Estates which have been handed down to The Queen by earlier generations of the Royal Family.

Buckingham Palace has served as the official London residence of Britain's sovereigns since 1837.

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It evolved from a town house that was owned from the beginning of the eighteenth century by the Dukes of Buckingham. Today it is The Queen's official residence, with 775 rooms. Although in use for the many official events and receptions held by The Queen, areas of Buckingham Palace are opened to visitors on a regular basis.

The State Rooms of the Palace are open to visitors during the Annual Summer Opening in August and September. They are lavishly furnished with some of the greatest treasures from the Royal Collection - paintings by Rembrandt, Rubens, Vermeer, Poussin, Canaletto and Claude; sculpture by Canova and Chantrey; exquisite examples of Sèvres porcelain; and some of the finest English and French furniture in the world. 

Windsor Castle is an official residence of The Queen and the largest occupied castle in the world. A Royal home and fortress for over 900 years, the Castle remains a working palace today. Visitors can walk around the State Apartments, extensive suites of rooms at the heart of the working palace. For part of the year visitors can also see the Semi State rooms, which are some of the most splendid interiors in the castle. They are furnished with treasures from the Royal Collection including paintings by Holbein, Rubens, Van Dyck and Lawrence, fine tapestries and porcelain, sculpture and armourWithin the Castle complex there are many additional attractions, including the Drawings Gallery, Queen Mary's dolls' house, and the fourteenth-century St. George's Chapel, the burial place of ten sovereigns and setting for many Royal weddings.

CHAPTER IV:

THE MONARCHY TODAY1.      HOW THE MONARCHY WORKS

Monarchy is the oldest form of government in the United Kingdom.

In a monarchy a king or queen is Head of State. The British monarchy is known as a constitutional monarchy. This means that, while The Queen is Head of State, the ability to make and pass legislation resides with an elected Parliament. Although the British Sovereign no longer has a political or executive role, he or she continues to play an important part in the life of the nation.

As Head of State, The Queen undertakes constitutional and representational duties which have developed over one thousand years of history. In addition to these State duties, The Queen has a less formal role as 'Head of Nation'. She acts as a focus for national identity, unity and pride; gives a sense of stability and continuity; officially recognises success and excellence; and supports the ideal of public and voluntary service.

In all these roles The Queen is supported by members of her immediate family.

As a system of government, constitutional monarchy has many strengths. One is that it separates out the ceremonial and official duties of the Head of State from party politics. Another is that it provides stability and continuity, since the Head of State remains the same even as governments come and go.

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The British Sovereign can be seen as having two roles: Head of State, and 'Head of the Nation'.

As Head of State, The Queen undertakes constitutional and representational duties which have developed over one thousand years of history.

There are inward duties, with The Queen playing a part in State functions in Britain. Parliament must be opened, Orders in Council have to be approved, Acts of Parliament must be signed, and meetings with the Prime Minister must be held.

There are also outward duties of State, when The Queen represents Britain to the rest of the world. For example, The Queen receives foreign ambassadors and high commissioners, entertains visiting Heads of State, and makes State visits overseas to other countries, in support of diplomatic and economic relations.

As 'Head of Nation', The Queen's role is less formal, but no less important for the social and cultural functions it fulfils.

These include: providing a focus for national identity, unity and pride; giving a sense of stability and continuity; recognising success, achievement and excellence; and supporting service to others, particularly through public service and the voluntary sector.

These roles are performed through different types of engagement.

By means of regular visits through every part of the United Kingdom, The Queen is able to act as a focus for national unity and identity.

Through her engagements and walkabouts, The Queen is able to meet people from every walk of life. The Queen's unifying role as Sovereign is also shown in her special relationships with the devolved assemblies in Scotland and Wales.

In addition, at times of national celebration or tragedy, The Queen publicly represents the nation's mood - for example, at annual commemoration of the war dead on Remembrance Sunday, or at celebrations for a national sporting victory.

The Queen also has an essential role in providing a sense of stability and continuity in times of political and social change. The system of constitutional monarchy bridges the discontinuity of party politics.

While political parties change constantly, the Sovereign continues as

Head of State, providing a stable framework within which a government can introduce wide-ranging reforms.

With more than five decades of reading State papers, meeting Heads of State and ambassadors and holding a weekly audience with the Prime Minister, The Queen has an unequalled store of experience upon which successive Prime Ministers have been able to draw.

The Queen hosts an annual reception for

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ambassadors and high commissioners at Buckingham Palace.

The Queen is able to recognise success and achievement in a personal way. These include honours, awards, visits, patronage and sponsorship. At Investitures, for example, The Queen honours individuals for public service or outstanding achievement. She also hosts garden parties to which guests from all backgrounds are invited, most of whom are nominated by charities or public sector organisations for their service to their communities.

And in the thousands of messages sent by The Queen each year to people celebrating their 100th birthdays or diamond weddings, The Queen is able to give special and personal recognition of remarkable individuals.

The Queen also supports service to others, through close relationships with the voluntary and charitable sector. About 3,000 organisations list a member of the Royal Family as patron or president. The Queen has over 600 patronages and The Duke of Edinburgh over 700.

In all these roles, The Queen is supported by members of the Royal Family, who carry out many of the engagements which The Queen cannot undertake in person.

QUEEN AND STATE

The Queen is Head of State in the United Kingdom. Her official title in the UK is 'Elizabeth the Second, by the Grace of God of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland and of Her other Realms and Territories Queen, Head of the Commonwealth, Defender of the Faith'.

As a constitutional monarch, The Queen does not 'rule' the country, but fulfils important ceremonial and formal roles with respect to the Parliament of the United Kingdom, and the devolved assemblies of Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.

The Queen is also Fount of Justice, from whom justice in the United Kingdom derives, and has important relationships with the Armed Forces and the established Churches of England and Scotland.

In addition to her role in the United Kingdom, The Queen has a special role to play in the Channel Islands and the Isle of Man, which are dependent territories of the English Crown.

QUEEN AND PUBLIC

In addition to her constitutional duties, The Queen has an important role to play in public. A national figurehead, The Queen provides a focus for identity, offers recognition of achievement of all kinds, and supports the ideals of public and charitable work.

Her Majesty acts a focus for national unity and pride by means of regular visits in the UK, her other realms, the Commonwealth and overseas destinations. The Queen is supported by other members of the Royal Family, who also carry out thousands of visits each year.

The Queen recognises excellence and achievement. This takes place in many ways: through Royal visits which provide a 'seal of approval' to a charity or community; through the award

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of honours and prizes to outstanding individuals; and through messages sent to those celebrating special birthdays or wedding anniversaries.

The Queen and the Royal Family also play an important part in the public and voluntary sector. Through involvement with hundreds of charities, military units and other organisations, they promote the ideal of service to others.

2.      THE ROLE OF THE ROYAL FAMILYThe Royal Family greets the crowds at the commemoration of the 60th anniversary of the end of World War II

The Royal Family plays an important role in supporting and encouraging the public and charity sectors. About 3,000 organisations list a member of the Royal Family as patron or president.

Members of the Royal Family support The Queen in her many State and national duties, as well as carrying out important work in the areas of public and charitable service, and helping to strengthen national unity and stability. Those who undertake official duties are members of The Queen's close family: her children and their spouses, and The Queen's cousins (the children of King George VI's brothers) and their spouses.

Younger members of the Royal Family who are presently in education or military training - such as Prince William and Prince Harry - do not undertake official duties full-time, but often play a role in important national events and commemorations. Every year the Royal Family as a whole carries out over 2,000 official engagements throughout the UK and worldwide.

These engagements may include official State responsibilities. Members of the Royal Family often carry out official duties in the UK and abroad where The Queen cannot be present in person. The Prince of Wales and The Princess Royal, for example, may present members of the public with their honours at an Investiture.

When official events such as receptions, State banquets and garden parties are held, the Royal Family supports The Queen in making her guests welcome. Members of the Royal Family also often represent The Queen and the nation in Commonwealth or countries, at events such as State funerals or national festivities, or through longer visits to strengthen Britain's diplomatic and economic relations. The Royal Family also plays an important role in supporting and encouraging the public and charity sectors. About 3,000 organisations list a member of the Royal Family as patron or president.

The huge range of these organisations - covering every subject from education to the environment, hospitals to housing - allows members of the Royal Family to meet people from a wide spectrum of national and local life, and to understand their interests, problems and concerns.Some members of the Royal Family have also established their own charities - for example, The Prince's Trust, The Duke of Edinburgh's Award Scheme and The Princess Royal Trust for Carers, a charity which provides advice and support of people acting as carers.

The Royal Family also plays an important role in recognising and supporting the work of the Armed Services. Members of the Royal Family have official relationships with many units of the Forces,

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paying regular visits to soldiers, sailors and airmen serving at home and abroad. Finally, the Royal Family as a whole plays a role in strengthening national unity. Members of the Royal Family are able to recognise and participate in community and local events in every part of the UK, from the opening of new buildings to celebrations or acts of commemoration. The Queen working by herself would be unable to attend every engagement to which she is invited. Members of the Royal Family can undertake local or specialist engagements which would otherwise have to be declined.

3. Royal attributes and rights

It is true that members of the royal family do not have any formal constitutional functions. They do not, however, have the same freedom as the rest of the nation’s citizens to behave and say in public what they wish.For example, if they intend to make a speech which could be considered controversial, it is courteous for them to send a copy of their speech beforehand to the appropriate government minister. The Sovereign and his heir do not vote in elections, general or local ones, because they must remain politically neutral and it would be considered unconstitutional for them to do so. Until 1999, the members of the royal family who held a hereditary peerage were subject to a “legal incapacity to vote”, as members of the House of Lords. The House of Lords Act of 1999 has removed that disqualification for all peers who lost the right to sit in the House of Lords, including the prince of Wales, the dukes of Edinburgh, York, Gloucester, and Kent, and the earl of Wessex.

Traditionally, HM Queen Elizabeth the Queen Mother and HRM The Princess Margaret did not vote because of their closeness to HM The Queen even though they have always been legally entitled. Further, the members of the royal family do not stand for elections to political or non-political positions.The royal family’s public role is to stand for unity and neutrality. The members of the royal family are bound by the Act of Settlement and the Royal Marriages Act when planning to marry.Since the spouse of a member of the royal family is instantly in a special position, as the possible parent or ancestor of a future sovereign, it is indeed perfectly relevant for the Crown to have a say in whom a member of the royal family marries.If any member of the royal family refuses to accept that authority they may act as their rank, they have a duty of obedience to the law- and it is perfectly reasonable that permission to marry should be part of the law (every European royal family and many mediated ones have “house Laws” regulating marriage). Even in “ordinary” families, parents indicate their consent or disapproval of the choice of spouse of a family member, and the consequence of disobedience may occasionally lead to alienation in a family. There is not anything particularly odd or unusual about this.

4.     CEREMONY AND SYMBOL

Royal ceremonies and symbols hold a powerful fascination.

Occasions such as the State Opening of Parliament, Trooping the Colour and Garter Day are some of the most colourful and exciting events of the year. But they are not simply spectacular pageants. These official occasions are also full of symbolism, tradition and meaning, and an integral part of The Queen's role as Head of State.

The emblems associated with the Sovereign are similarly rich in history and significance. From the coronation regalia to an ordinary postage stamp, the Crown is represented in many different and interesting ways. Royal transport also has an important ceremonial and symbolic role, from the State cars used for local visits to the ornate carriages used for large public occasions.

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Guard mounting takes place on the forecourt of Buckingham Palace on alternate days, and daily during the summer

Royal ceremonies are not only colourful spectacles: they are also important symbolic events. Many ceremonies are part of The Queen's formal duties as Sovereign, representing the State and providing continuity with many centuries of tradition. Although many of the events date back centuries, they have evolved in the course of time to keep up-to-date with modern life. Television access allows millions of people to share in solemn events such as a coronation or an Investiture; the Maundy service has changed during The Queen's reign so that it is held in a different UK cathedral each year; and garden parties are no longer the formal events they were in previous reigns.

Trooping the Colour is carried out by operational troops from the Household Division on Horse Guards Parade in Whitehall

The Queen attending the General Synod of the Church of England at Church House, Westminster, in 2005

5.     ROYAL FINANCES

How is the work of The Queen funded? How much does the Royal Family cost the tax payer each year? Does The Queen pay tax - and if not, why not? And do the Crown Jewels and Royal Palaces belong to The Queen?

The Monarchy has sometimes been described as an expensive institution, with Royal finances shrouded in confusion and secrecy. In reality, the Royal Household is committed to ensuring that public money is spent as wisely and efficiently as possible, and to making Royal Finances as transparent and comprehensible as possible.

Each year the Royal Household publishes a summary of Head of State expenditure, together with a full report on Royal public finances. These reports can be downloaded from this section.

This section provides an outline of how the work of the Monarchy is funded. It includes information on Head of State expenditure, together with information about other aspects of Royal finances.

There are four sources of funding for The Queen, or officials of the Royal Household acting on Her Majesty's behalf, in both a public and private capacity.

These are: the Civil List, the Grants-in-Aid for upkeep of Royal Palaces and for Royal travel, the Privy Purse and The Queen's personal wealth and income

The Prince of Wales's life and work are funded predominantly by the Duchy of Cornwall.

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His Royal Highness receives the annual net surplus of the Duchy of Cornwall and chooses to use a large proportion of the income to meet the cost of his public and charitable work.

The Prince also uses part of the income to meet the costs of his private life and those of his wife, The Duchess of Cornwall, and his sons, Prince William and Prince Harry.

Other than The Queen, The Duke of Edinburgh is the only member of the Royal Family to receive an annual parliamentary allowance to enable him to carry out official public duties supporting The Queen.

Since 1993, The Queen has repaid to the Treasury the annual parliamentary allowances received by other members of the Royal Family.

Most of the allowances received by members of the Royal Family are spent on staff who support their public engagements and correspondence.

In 2000 the annual amounts payable to members of the Royal Family (which are set every ten years) were reset at their 1990 levels for the next ten years, until December 2010.

CONCLUSION

The Monarchy is the most ancient secular institution in the United Kingdom. Its continuity has been broken only once in over a thousand years. The royal title in the United Kingdom is : “Elizabeth the Second, by The Grace of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland and of Her other Realms and Territories Queen, Head of the Commonwealth, Defender of the Faith”.

In Chapter 2, I dealt with the form of the royal title that is varied for the other member nations of the commonwealth of which the Queen is Sovereign.

Furthermore, I presented royal residences that have been the setting for nearly 1,000 years of British history. Their

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architecture and decoration reflect the personalities of successive kings and queens.

Finally , I wrote about royal ceremonies and symbols that still hold a powerful fascination nowadays.

BIBILIOGRAPHY

Reference books:

Neil Grant, “Kings and Queens”, Happer Collins Publishers Ltd, 1999

Clive Prince, “War of the Windsor”, Brown, 2002

Graham Turner, “Elizabeth: The Women and The Queen”, The Daily Telegraph, 2002

Richard Johnstone-Bryden, “The Royal Yacht Britannia: The Official History”, Conway Press Ltd, 2000

Links:

http://www.royal.gov.uk

http://www.wikipedia.com

http://www.britroyals.com

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