Description
Book SynopsisThe British monarchy has been through turbulent times of late. Rocked by scandal and strife, and without it seems a clear plan for the future following the death of Queen Elizabeth II, we have been left wondering: what happens next?
Nothing seems certain. Will the monarchy survive with its continuing echoes of an Imperial past? Will young people - disenchanted with the political status quo - find the ritual and practice of the monarchy quite so mesmerising as previous generations have done? What might a republican Britain look like?
Ed Owens argues that the monarchy must embrace reform and transform itself radically. No more private jets while preaching about the importance of the environment; no more secrecy obscuring royal influence in high places; and no more hangers on enjoying grace-and-favour homes. A major slimming down is essential. And it''s time the family archives were opened.
All these issues will have a direct effect on the common good of the
Trade Review
A lucid, clear-sighted, and highly readable analysis of the British monarchy's self-inflicted crisis. * Richard Toye, author of Age of Hope: Labour, 1945, and the Birth of Modern Britain. *
With the clarity of expertise, Owens sets out an agenda to give the Crown an energetic role in the 21st century. * Kirkus Reviews *
[Ed Owens] thoroughly and expertly examines the past and present of the British monarchy… Highly recommended and though-provoking, with practical and well-informed ideas. * Library Journal *
Table of Contents
Introduction: Crown and country in crisis Part One Ceremony, Spectacle and Tradition 1 Is it still something to be proud of? 2 Consecrated obstruction 3 The seasonable addition of nice and pretty events 4 An alien and uninspiring court? 5 The bride waves, the crowd cheers 6 The new Elizabethans 7 The glamour of backwardness Part Two Duty, Service and Philanthropy 8 Devoted to your service 9 Benevolence sweetens authority 10 A living power for good 11 The heavy burden of responsibility 12 Come on Margaret! 13 A new Jerusalem? 14 The Queen had no choice 15I t’s all part of minding deeply about this country Part Three Family, Celebrity and Scandal 16 The press creates … the press destroys 17 A family on the throne 18 The royal soap opera 19 Killing the monarchy? 20 Annus horribilis 21 Never complain, never explain 22 Don’t make my final years a misery Part Four Nation, Democracy and the Constitution 23 No more good chaps 24 Democratic monarchy 25 One who reigns but does not rule? 26 To be invisible is to be forgotten 27 The spirit of generous compromise 28 The good of the country 29 The perfect constitutional monarch? 30 Queen’s consent Conclusion Acknowledgements Bibliography Index
