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I - A double
attitude
The attitude of the
British in view of the Monarchy is made of a popular attachment to the symbol
represented by the Queen or the King and of a critical attention to the Royal
Family.
- In the eyes of its
supporters (or partisans), the Monarchy is used as the national cement.
- For
instance, Prince Charles (who is the Prince of Wales and the designated
successor) 's wedding with Lady Diana Spencer's was a national event followed by
millions of TV viewers.
- The couple fueled (alimenter, sens figuré) never-ending
discussions in the media and households.
II - Functions
A - In the United Kingdom
The monarch (or sovereign)
is the symbolic head of the State, but he/she is not the political head.
He/She gives his/her Royal assent
(assentiment) for laws and owns a right of veto he/she does not use. He/She
officially is the commander-in-chief of the army. He/she attends national
ceremonies. He/She is informed of the State's matters (or affairs) by the files
he/she receives from the Cabinet and by the visits of the Prime Minister.
He/She is the head of the Anglican
Church, which has been protestant since the settlement Act of 1701.
He/She is the head of every Order
of the Garter or Titles of Nobility he/she can confer.
B - Abroad
The monarch symbolizes the unity
of the Commonwealth countries he/she is the head of. The Royal Family
reprensents Great Britain at the ceremonies in ancient colonies. It maintains
economic links with these countries. If it does not have any real political
power, the Royal Family however keeps an moral influence and a certain presence
in the media.
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