European Royal Dynasties in the 19th Century

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Questions and Answers

What was the primary role of the monarchy in 19th century Europe?

A leader of the military

A symbol of national power

A representative of the working class

An incarnation of historical memory (correct)

What was the main reason for the increased elaboration of coronations and burials after the First World War?

To celebrate the Queen's birthday

To assert the monarch's power over the government

To mark the end of the war

To rectify the farcical state of royal tradition in the 19th century (correct)

What determines the Queen's occupation of the throne?

Statute, case law, and conventions (correct)

Royal decree

Statute and conventions

Case law and conventions

What was the main concern regarding the succession of the throne after William III's reign?

The supporters of James II making a move for the throne Signup and view all the answers

What was the primary purpose of the Act of Settlement in 1701?

To prevent the supporters of James II from taking the throne Signup and view all the answers

Who was the first monarch to accede to the throne under the Act of Settlement?

George I Signup and view all the answers

What was the condition for the heirs of Sophia's body to inherit the throne?

They had to be Protestants Signup and view all the answers

How many people were closer to the throne by rules of inheritance than George I?

57 Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of the Sovereign Grant Act 2011?

To provide resources for the Royal Household to support the Queen's official duties Signup and view all the answers

What is the main impact of the Succession to the Crown Act 2013?

Women now have equal right to succeed to the throne Signup and view all the answers

What is the title of the Queen as established by the Royal Title Act 1953?

Elizabeth II, by the Grace of God of Great Britain, Ireland and the British Dominions Beyond the Seas, Queen, Defender of the Faith Signup and view all the answers

What was the significance of the Case of Proclamations 1611?

It restrained the monarch's autonomy though statute Signup and view all the answers

What was the problem with the coronation of Queen Victoria in June 1838?

The choir was poor Signup and view all the answers

What was unusual about the coronation of King George IV in July 1821?

Prize-fighters were employed as bouncers Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of the Regency Acts?

To provide for certain contingencies that might affect the monarch Signup and view all the answers

What is the principle of succession to the throne established by the Succession to the Crown Act 2013?

Absolute Primogeniture Signup and view all the answers

What happened to the ring when the Archbishop of Canterbury put it on the Queen's finger?

It was too big Signup and view all the answers

What was the purpose of early 20th century newsprint?

To increase the popularity of the monarchy among British working people Signup and view all the answers

What did the Succession to the Crown Act 2013 do?

Ended the ban on a future monarch marrying a Catholic Signup and view all the answers

Where was Queen Elizabeth when she ascended her various thrones?

In Kenya Signup and view all the answers

What was the age of King George VI when he died?

56 Signup and view all the answers

What is the King restricted from doing according to the common law?

All of the above Signup and view all the answers

What is the convention regarding the monarch and Parliament?

The monarch always acts on the advice of Ministers Signup and view all the answers

When did the Commonwealth countries agree in principle to the changes to the rules of succession?

October 28, 2011 Signup and view all the answers

When was Elizabeth crowned Queen Elizabeth II?

June 2, 1953 Signup and view all the answers

What was the state of Europe at the time of Elizabeth's accession?

Still reeling from World War II Signup and view all the answers

What was the condition of Britain's economy at the time of Elizabeth's accession?

War-weakened and waning Signup and view all the answers

What was mandatory for British men in 1952?

Doing national service Signup and view all the answers

Why was Elizabeth able to travel the world without leaving her kingdom?

Because many countries were still part of the British Empire Signup and view all the answers

What is one of the Queen's notable achievements?

Her dedication to duty and discipline Signup and view all the answers

How did the Queen respond to the death of Princess Diana in 1997?

She kept silence for five days Signup and view all the answers

How is the Queen generally viewed today?

As a steady, calming figure Signup and view all the answers

What role does the Queen play in the British monarchy, according to the passage?

Enduring matriarch Signup and view all the answers

What was Benjamin Franklin's opinion of King George III?

He thought he was the best monarch in the world Signup and view all the answers

What percentage of Americans thought the royal family was 'a good thing' in 2011?

71% Signup and view all the answers

What was the amount of the Sovereign Grant for the royal family in 2012-13?

£33.3 million Signup and view all the answers

What is the term for the annual expenditure funded by the taxpayer in support of the Queen's official duties?

Sovereign Grant Signup and view all the answers

Who wrote the article 'A revolutionary republic embraces the royals'?

Geoffrey Wheatcroft Signup and view all the answers

What is the term for the figures like Prince Harry, known for their antics?

Figures of fun Signup and view all the answers

What is the term for the figures like Princess Diana, known for their tragic fate?

Tragic figures Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

The British Monarchy

In the 19th century, most of Europe was governed by royal dynasties, whereas in the UK, the monarchy represents historical memory rather than real power.

The Queen's Role

The Queen's powers have been crafted over time by statute, case law, and conventions.
The Queen occupies the throne by virtue of statute.
The rules of succession to the throne largely stem from the dilemma facing the monarchy at the end of William III's reign.

Succession to the Throne

The Act of Settlement (1701) ensured the Crown would pass to Sophia, Electress of Hanover and granddaughter of James I, and to "the heirs of her body, being Protestants".
In 1714, Sophia's son, George Ludwig, Elector of Hanover, acceded to the throne as George I, despite 57 Roman Catholics being closer in line to the throne.

Key Statutes

The Regency Acts (1937, 1943, and 1953) provide for certain contingencies that might affect the monarch.
The Royal Title Act (1953) established the Queen's exact title as "Elizabeth II, by the Grace of God of Great Britain, Ireland and the British Dominions Beyond the Seas, Queen, Defender of the Faith".
The Sovereign Grant Act (2011) governs the resources provided for use by the Royal Household in support of the Queen's official duties.
The Succession to the Crown Act (2013) made succession not depend on gender, giving women equal rights to succeed to the throne.

Case Law

The Case of Proclamations (1611) defined the monarch's role, stating the King cannot create an offense that did not exist before without Parliament's consent.

Coronations and Burials

Coronations and burials grew more elaborate after World War I to rectify the farcical state of royal tradition in the 19th century and to demonstrate allegiance to the monarchy.
Examples of elaborate coronations include King George IV's in 1821 and Queen Victoria's in 1838.

The Queen's Achievements

Queen Elizabeth II has reigned for over 60 years, showcasing duty, discipline, and discretion.
She is viewed with utmost respect for her age and as a symbol of continuity in a changing world.

Public Perception

The British public has a strong affection for the monarchy, with 71% thinking it is a "good thing".
The royal family enjoys an approval rating of 77% in the US, with 71% considering it a "good thing".

Financial Costs

The Sovereign Grant for the royal family, funded by the taxpayer, amounted to £33.3 million for 2012-13.

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Description

Compare the role of monarchies in 19th century Europe to their modern-day ornamental function. Learn about the historical significance of royal dynasties and their decline in power.