British monarchy

The hereditary institution in which a monarch serves as head of state of the United Kingdom. Its powers are largely exercised under constitutional conventions and through elected government.

Constitutional monarchy: A system in which a monarch is head of state while constitutional rules limit or regulate political power. The British monarchy is a constitutional monarchy whose formal authority is constrained by law and convention.
Norman Conquest: The conquest of England by William, Duke of Normandy, culminating in his coronation as king in 1066. It reshaped the English kingship and began the dynasty that established Norman rule.
William the Conqueror: The Norman duke crowned king of England in 1066 after conquering the kingdom. His conquest established a new ruling dynasty and transformed English kingship.
Commonwealth realms: Independent countries that share the British monarch as their head of state. They show that the monarch’s role extends beyond the United Kingdom into separate sovereign states.
President of Ireland: The elected ceremonial head of state of Ireland, whose office is separate from the head of government. Ireland offers a nearby example of a non-hereditary, largely ceremonial presidency.
Royal prerogative: The residual executive powers formally held by the Crown and generally exercised by ministers. It identifies powers exercised in the monarch’s name, including some that remain legally royal.
Magna Carta: A 1215 charter that constrained King John and became a lasting symbol of limits on royal power. It represents an early landmark in the long contest over the Crown’s authority.
Charles I of England: King of England, Scotland, and Ireland from 1625 until his execution in 1649. His conflict with Parliament brought the monarchy’s most dramatic collapse.
Commonwealth of Nations: A voluntary association of independent countries, many with historical ties to the British Empire. The monarchy has a distinct symbolic relationship with this association beyond its role in the realms.
President of France: The directly elected head of state of France, with substantial constitutional powers in a semi-presidential system. The French presidency contrasts with the British monarch’s non-elective and politically neutral role.

Linked from 19 pages