Policy & Practice: The Magic of Monarchy

IN PERSON.

The death of Queen Elizabeth II prompted an extraordinary outpouring of emotion from the British public. As Britain begins a new era under the reign of King Charles III, this event brings together a panel of experts for a timely reflection on the place of the monarchy in modern Britain. Some of the questions to be considered include: what were the public's attitudes to the monarchy in previous reigns, and how do these compare with attitudes under the reign of Queen Elizabeth II? What is the contemporary value of monarchy in a democracy such as the UK? And is the monarchy effective as a constitutional safeguard?
 
Anna Whitelock is a historian, author and broadcaster. She is Professor of the History of Monarchy at City, University of London and Director of the Centre for the Study of Modern Monarchy.
 
Bob Morris is an Honorary Senior Research Associate in the UCL Constitution Unit. As a civil servant he was once responsible for the Home Secretary’s then constitutional responsibilities which included some royal, ecclesiastical and ceremonial functions.
 
Andrew Blick is Professor of Politics and Contemporary History, and Head of Department of Political Economy at Kings College London. He uses the study of history to broaden understanding of contemporary political issues and debates, ranging from the UK constitution to the impact of the internet on politics.
 
Chair: Alan Renwick is Professor of Democratic Politics and Deputy Director of the Constitution Unit in the UCL Department of Political Science and School of Public Policy.