Queen exemplifies how a monarch can be a stabilising force
It was once said, "The sun never sets on the British Empire," although the time of this great empire had essentially been brought to an end by World War II. Now at the age of 86, the queen is well established in her popularity. Today, in a role that retains no overt political power, her constitutional role has become symbolic, which gives the queen the opportunity to remain above the political fray. In her time, the monarchy within Britain has therefore, evolved to become primarily a symbol of national unity and of state ceremonial duties, a role which continues to be generally accepted by British society.
The evolution of the British constitution began with the signing of the Magna Carta. The Magna Carta, was signed in Britain in 1215, and is considered by many historians to be one of the great constitutional reform documents the world has seen. It is noteworthy however, that after nearly 800 years, the limitations set on the influence of the institution of the monarchy, did not lead to the removal of the institution itself. In fact, the Magna Carta may have assisted the British monarchy in evolving along with social changes. The quality and integrity of the document prevailed over the long term, and provided for a healthier relationship between the institutions of the state and the citizenry.
Although the British monarchy has appeared increasingly dated from the perspective of the younger generations in recent years, the institution has managed to retain enough relevance, in order to justify its position. As Wyn Grant, professor of politics at the University of Warwick argues: "The UK does still benefit from a constitutional monarchy. The younger generation may perceive the queen as a traditional figure, but Prince William and Kate Middleton have renewed the royal family. The institution has to evolve to keep in step with changes in society."
Another contemporary British academic, Vernon Bogdanor, who writes on the current reign of the queen, said, "The monarchy will come to be seen as a part of society and it will come to be judged in a more practical and utilitarian manner. The philanthropic and charitable work undertaken by the royal family serves the country by propping up civil society, that commonwealth of citizenship outside the state, and also pinpoints social needs otherwise ignored by government and offers a voice to minorities and other deprived groups which are little represented politically."
Britain, which first emerged as a model for the integration of a constitutional monarchy with a parliamentary system, remains an example that other countries have looked to in developing similar systems.
Of course, there are problems in UK politics as no political system is perfect, and the process of democratic reform is continuous. There have been recent instances of conflicts of interest affecting the UK political process, such as the MP expenses scandal in 2009, which was then followed by the phone-hacking scandal in 2011 that has yet to be resolved.
Nevertheless, there are always questions being asked in relation to the conduct of the democratically elected members of either the legislative or executive branches of the governmental structures of countries around the world.
It is perhaps most especially because of this, that in the case of contemporary Britain, it is therefore widely believed that the apolitical figurehead represented by the monarch, can strongly assist in the separation of powers. This provides more room for the process of checks and balances in order to hold government accountable.
Academics continue to ask questions about the ways in which institutional checks and balances can be integrated into democratic models. In doing so, they intend to mitigate against the tendency of conflicts of interest to compromise politicians because this is something we see playing out all around the world. Even in Britain, the political fallout from these conflicts continues, with politicians from all parties being in one way or another implicated in the ongoing public scandal involving the media group News International.
As far back as 1873, the famous British writer Walter Bagehot in The English Constitution", wrote in a way that is still to a large extent, relevant and applicable today: "The co-existence of a queen's seeming prerogative and a Downing Street's real government is just suited to such a country as this, in such an age as ours." The form of government in place within Britain today remains essentially that, which was described by Bagehot nearly 140 years ago.
Thais have much to learn from the experience of the Queen of England during her reign. We can recognise that the dignity of the monarchy can act to both moderate and stabilise the often fractious political polarisation, and the scenarios that unfold when political rivalries spiral out of control. As evidenced by the recent fighting in Thailand's parliament, no side in the political paradigm will ultimately benefit when actions that undermine the dignity of office and its responsibilities are undertaken, and this behaviour by elected representatives is revealed to the voters.
After 60 years on the throne, the Queen of England has demonstrated how an apolitical figurehead can act to stabilise the political system, in spite of domestic political dramas, international upheavals, and media intrigue. We have not seen evidence of overt tensions between the monarchy and the series of prime ministers from different political parties, who have come and gone over the course of her reign, despite the occasional media revelations.
Indeed, as former British prime minister Margaret Thatcher stated in her autobiographical retelling of her time in office: "Her Majesty brings to bear a formidable grasp of current issues and breadth of experience. And, although the press could not resist the temptation to suggest disputes between the palace and Downing Street, I always found the queen's attitude towards the work of the government absolutely correct."
And as former premier Tony Blair noted: "She [the queen] knew also that while there was a need for the monarchy to evolve with the people, and that its covenant with them unwritten and unspoken, was based on a relationship that allowed for evolution, it should be steady, carefully calibrated and controlled."
Titipol Phakdeewanich is a political scientist at Ubon Ratchathani University.
