The English Monarchy

Authors

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.24142/raju.v20n40a16

Keywords:

parliamentary monarchy, Commonwealth, legitimacy, adaptation, symbolism

Abstract

This study examines the evolution and current relevance of the English monarchy through a documentary and hermeneutic methodology based on academic sources. Its primary objective is to analyze the monarchy’s historical transformation —from its medieval origins to its establishment as a parliamentary institution— its adaptation to democratic governance, and its symbolic role in national identity and international relations. Key milestones such as the Magna Carta (1215) and the Glorious Revolution (1688) are highlighted for their roles in curbing royal authority and empowering Parliament. Over time, the monarchy has transitioned to a largely ceremonial function, emphasizing national unity and diplomatic engagement, particularly within the Commonwealth. Today, its significance lies in its ability to coexist with democratic systems, uphold traditions, and foster social cohesion through high-profile public events. The findings underscore the monarchy’s success in navigating political and social change, while also facing challenges such as public scrutiny, the imperative of political neutrality, and maintaining relevance among younger generations. Its continued survival depends on preserving legitimacy through representativeness, transparency, and a balanced integration of tradition and modernity.

Author Biographies

Gabrielle Fernández Martínez, Universidad Nacional de Colombia

Estudiante de Ciencias Políticas de la Universidad Nacional de Colombia, Sede Medellín. 

Avril Sofía Nuncira López, Universidad Nacional de Colombia

Estudiante de Ciencias Políticas de la Universidad Nacional de Colombia, Sede Medellín.

Alexandra Ariza Marulanda, Universidad Nacional de Colombia

Estudiante de Ciencias Políticas de la Universidad Nacional de Colombia, Sede Medellín.

Shalma Lucía Vergara Suárez, Universidad Nacional de Colombia

Estudiante de Ciencias Políticas de la Universidad Nacional de Colombia, Sede Medellín. 

References

Aragón-Reyes, M. (2004). El papel del rey en la monarquía parlamentaria. Fundación Manuel Giménez Abad de Estudios Parlamentarios y del Estado Autonómico. https://dialnet.unirioja.es/servlet/articulo?codigo=5773812

Artola, M. (1991). La Monarquía parlamentaria. Ayer, (1), 105-123. http://www.jstor.org/stable/41408211

Bigas, A. (2022). Public image of the British Monarchy in times of crises. Res Rhetorica, 9(2), 152-65. https://resrhetorica.com/index.php/RR/article/view/663

Collins, S. (2003). Monarch as alternative. En G. L. Schneider, Conservatism in America since 1930. Nueva York University Press, https://books.google.com.uy/books?id=9SoVCgAAQBAJ&printsec=copyright#v=onepage&q&f=false

Foss, D. (2012). The British Monarchy: Symbolism and salience in times of crisis. University of Colorado, Department of International Affairs.

García, E. (2023). Reserva de constitución y monarquía. Teoría y Realidad Constitucional, 52, 267-302. https://revistas.uned.es/index.php/TRC/article/view/39017

Ginsburg, T., Rodríguez, D. B. y Weingast, B. R. (2023). The functions of constitutional monarchy: Why kings and queens survive in a world of republics. Northwestern Public Law Research Paper, (23-29). https://doi. org/10.2139/ssrn.4454620

Kirkland, C. y Deva, S. (2022). Weakness not crisis: Brexit and the UK constitution. British Politics, 18, 603-622. https://doi.org/10.1057/s41293-022-00213-w

Lada Camblor, J. (1962). Monarquía perfecta. Berceo, 64, 245-265. McLean, I. y Peterson, S. (2021). Of crises, constitutionalism and irresponsible advisers. The Political Quarterly, 92(2), 331-342. https://doi. org/10.1111/1467-923X.12985

Moreno Luzón, J. (2015). La monarquía malherida. Ayer, 100(4), 251-264. https://dialnet.unirioja.es/servlet/articulo?codigo=6143232

Portillo Valdés, J. M. (2016). La crisis imperial de la monarquía española. Secuencia, 1(72), 25-52. https://doi.org/10.18234/secuencia.v1i72.1364

Rao, J. (2015). La monarquía contra la oligarquía. Fundación Speiro.

Schneider, G. L. (2003). Conservatism in America since 1930. Nueva York University Press. https://books.google.com.uy/books?id=9SoVCgAAQBAJ&printsec=copyright#v=onepage&q&f=false.

Segovia, J. F. (2015). La monarquía parlamentaria: Orígenes y causas de la desnaturalización de la monarquía. Fundación Speiro.

Swann, J. (2014). Introduction: The crisis of the absolute monarchy. En The crisis of the absolute monarchy: France from Old Regime to Revolution (pp. 1-20). Oxford University Press. https://doi.org/10.5871/bacad/9780197265383.003.0001

Published

2025-04-29

How to Cite

Fernández Martínez, G., Nuncira López, A. S., Ariza Marulanda, A., & Vergara Suárez, S. L. (2025). The English Monarchy. Ratio Juris UNAULA, 20(40), 439–460. https://doi.org/10.24142/raju.v20n40a16

Issue

Section

Artículos de reflexión