13. Gen.Info about British State System

The United Kingdom is a constitutional monarchy and a parliamentary democracy.

The Monarch (currently King Charles III) is the ceremonial head of state but has limited political power, acting on the advice of elected officials.

Parliament is the supreme legislative body and consists of two houses:

The House of Commons (elected Members of Parliament) – the primary law-making chamber.

The House of Lords (appointed and hereditary peers, bishops) – reviews and revises legislation.

The Prime Minister (head of government) leads the executive, usually the leader of the party with the most Commons seats, and appoints a Cabinet of ministers.

The UK has no single written constitution; instead, it relies on statutes, conventions, judicial decisions, and historic documents (e.g., Magna Carta, Bill of Rights 1689).

Devolved governments exist in Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland, each with varying powers over areas like health and education, while the UK Parliament retains control over defence, foreign policy, and taxation.

14. Monarchy. Functions, powers, the role of the monarch. Rules of succession to the throne.

Functions and Powers

The monarch performs ceremonial duties like opening Parliament, delivering the King's Speech, granting royal assent to bills (by convention never refused), and dissolving Parliament on Prime Ministerial advice. Prerogative powers—such as appointing the Prime Minister (leader commanding Commons confidence), declaring war, or issuing passports—are formally held but exercised only on ministerial advice, ensuring political neutrality. Reserve powers exist in crises (e.g., appointing PM amid hung Parliament) but remain unused by convention.

Role of the Monarch

The King reigns but does not rule, acting as a non-partisan symbol of continuity, national unity, and diplomacy through state visits, honours, and weekly PM audiences. As head of the Armed Forces, the monarch accredits ambassadors and hosts foreign leaders, fostering stability without policy involvement.

Succession Rules

Succession follows absolute primogeniture under the Succession to the Crown Act 2013: the monarch's eldest child inherits regardless of gender, with Catholic marriage bans lifted. Current line: Prince William (heir apparent), then his children George, Charlotte, Louis. Parliament can alter rules via statute.

15.Duties of the members of the Royal family of Windsor

King Charles III

Role: Head of State, Monarch.

Duties:

opens and dissolves Parliament;

appoints the Prime Minister and approves cabinet ministers;

performs ceremonial functions (e.g., Trooping the Colour);

represents the UK on the international stage.

Additional details:

born on 14 November 1948;

son of Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip;

became King in 2022 following his mother’s death;

founded over 20 charities, including The Prince’s Trust.

Queen Camilla

Role: Consort of the Monarch.

Duties:

accompanies the King at official events;

engages in charitable work;

supports cultural and social initiatives.

Additional details:

formerly known as Camilla Parker Bowles before marrying Charles;

actively involved with organisations focused on arts and education.

Prince William, Prince of Wales

Role: Heir to the Throne.

Duties:

participates in state ceremonies;

represents the monarchy at domestic and international events;

engages in charity work (e.g., supporting mental health and early childhood initiatives).

Additional details:

born on 21 June 1982;

served in the Royal Air Force as a search-and-rescue helicopter pilot;

married to Catherine Middleton; they have three children: George, Charlotte, and Louis.

Princess Kate, Princess of Wales

Role: Consort of the Heir to the Throne.

Duties:

accompanies Prince William at official engagements;

engages in charitable activities (e.g., supporting children’s and arts organisations);

participates in cultural events (e.g., presenting Wimbledon trophies).

Additional details:

born on 9 January 1982;

received the title Princess of Wales in 2022 after Charles’s coronation.

Princess Anne, The Princess Royal

Role: Daughter of Queen Elizabeth II.

Duties:

performs official duties, including investitures (presenting honours);

patronises charities (e.g., Save the Children and the Princess Royal Trust for Carers);

engages with sporting events (President of the British Olympic Association, member of the International Olympic Committee).

Additional details:

born on 15 August 1950;

known as one of the hardest-working members of the Royal Family.

Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex

Role: Younger son of King Charles III.

Duties:

previously performed official duties but stepped back from working royal roles in 2020 and moved to the US with his wife, Meghan Markle;

engages in charitable work, having founded the Archewell Foundation.

Additional details:

born on 15 September 1984;

served in the military, including deployments in Afghanistan;

has two children with Meghan: Archie and Lilibet.

Prince Edward, Duke of Edinburgh

Role: Third son of Queen Elizabeth II.

Duties:

performs official duties, including visits to military units and charities;

supports initiatives for children and people with disabilities (his wife, Sophie, is actively involved in these areas).

Additional details:

born on 10 March 1964;

married to Sophie Rhys-Jones; they have two children: Lady Louise and James, Earl of Wessex.

Princess Beatrice, Princess of York

Role: Daughter of Prince Andrew.

Duties:

occasionally participates in charitable events on behalf of the monarchy;

pursues personal projects outside formal royal duties.

Additional details:

born on 8 August 1988;

married to Edoardo Mapelli Mozzi.

Princess Eugenie, Princess of York

Role: Daughter of Prince Andrew.

Duties:

like Beatrice, occasionally engages in charitable work but is not a full‑time working member of the Royal Family.

Additional details:

born on 23 March 1990;

married to Jack Brooksbank.