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The monarch is head of state
The King reigns, but he does not rule. Ruling is done by his government, and as head of state in the UK the King is constitutionally obliged to follow the government’s advice. His main functions as head of state are to appoint the Prime Minister, and all the other ministers; to open new sessions of parliament; and to give royal assent to bills passed by parliament, signifying that they have become law.
The King also chairs monthly meetings of the Privy Council, to approve Orders in Council; he receives incoming and outgoing ambassadors; he makes a host of other appointments, such as the senior judges, but in all this he acts on the advice of the government. He has a weekly audience with the Prime Minister, and receives daily boxes of state papers for his signature, and for information. He also has regular meetings with senior officials of all kinds.
The monarch is also head of the nation
To the public the King is more visible in his wider role as head of the nation. In this representative role the Sovereign 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 voluntary service. This role has been fulfilled through speeches such as the Queen's address to the nation at the start of the Covid pandemic, and annual broadcast on Christmas day; through giving honours to recognise public and voluntary service; and through visits to the armed forces, schools, hospitals, charities and local organisations.
The Queen carried out just under 300 public engagements in 2019, and Prince Charles 520; but in total 15 members of the royal family carried out 3,567 such engagements. These include national occasions such as attending the Cenotaph for Remembrance Day, or the Trooping The Colour; but the majority are visits to all parts of the UK, to recognise and support the work of local public services and voluntary organisations. The King and other members of the royal family are patrons of over 1000 charities and organisations in the UK and the Commonwealth.
The Commonwealth and the Realms
The King is also head of state of 14 other countries around the world, known as the realms: they include Australia, Canada, Jamaica and New Zealand. And the King is Head of the Commonwealth, a voluntary association of 54 states, mainly former British colonies and dependencies.
Related explainers
Further reading
- Constitution Unit web pages on the Monarchy, Church and State
- Our British Monarchy FAQs
- Our Accession and Coronation FAQs
- R. Hazell and C. Sayers Carter, Reforming the Prerogative (report)
- R. Hazell and T. Foot, Reforming the Prerogative, Bloomsbury, 2022 (book)
- R. Hazell and R. M. Morris, Swearing in the New King: Accession and Coronation Oaths (report)
- R. M. Morris, The Coronation of Charles III (report)
- R. Hazell and R. M. Morris, The Role of Monarchy in Modern Democracy, Hart 2020
- Ben Pimlott, The Queen, HarperPress 2012
- Royal.uk website
