Is the monarchy sufficiently accountable?
At this event hosted by the UCL Constitution Unit, an expert panel discusses how the monarchy is – and should be – exposed to scrutiny and accountability.
Is the monarchy sufficiently accountable?
26 Feb 2026, 13:00 – 14:00
The scandals involving the former Prince Andrew raised questions that went much wider than his own conduct. Who decides whether a working royal should stand down; how big should the royal family be; what functions can they properly perform; are they adequately, or excessively financed? How is the monarchy scrutinised; what are the respective roles of the Palace, government and Parliament; how important are the media (and social media) as external scrutineers?
These questions and more will be addressed by an expert panel, including Professor Helle Krunke from Denmark to provide a comparative perspective.
Speakers:
Valentine Low – former royal correspondent for The Times and author of Power and the Palace
Professor Helle Krunke – Professor of Constitutional Law, University of Copenhagen, President of the International Association of Constitutional Law, and expert on the Danish monarchy
Dr David Torrance – Research specialist (Devolution, Monarchy, Church & State), House of Commons Library
Chair: Professor Robert Hazell - Professor of Government and the Constitution
This event will also be livestreamed on the Constitution Unit’s YouTube channel. After the event, a recording will be available both on YouTube and in the Unit’s podcast feed.
Image attribution: Featured image: ‘Arrival of the coffin of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II for the Lying-in-State’
Copyright House of Lords 2022 / Photography by Roger Harris.