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Continuity & the crown

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09 December 2022 / Michael L Nash
Issue: 8006 / Categories: Features , Procedure & practice , Constitutional law
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With a new king taking the throne this year, Michael L Nash reflects on the unique evolution of the British monarchy which enabled such a seamless transition
  • The continuity of the British constitutional monarchy has been made possible by the unique way it has evolved over the centuries—particularly through agreed changes in the laws which govern it.

‘The Queen is the rock, and we just swirl around it’, to quote a friend of mine. After 70 years, the rock had gone. There was a feeling below the surface of unease, as that centre of stability was no longer there; and yet perhaps the most impressive aspect of the new reign was the ease in which the transfer was made—the aspect of continuity, going seamlessly on. Fears about the suitability of the new king disappeared as he rose to the occasion, confirming the feeling of confidence in his accession speech—dignified and full of gravitas.

This possibility, or reality, of continuity, has been made possible by the unique way our constitutional monarchy

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