ABSTRACT
This chapter analyses the emergence of the modern monarchy and considers its still important functions together with the arguments of the critics. The monarchy is the oldest secular institution in England and dates back at least to the ninth century. The monarchy predates by several centuries the emergence of the concept of representation. The dependence of the monarch on Parliament was thus established, and the years since have witnessed the gradual withdrawal of the sovereign from the personal exercise of executive authority. The transfer of power from monarch to a political executive meant that it became possible to distinguish between head of state and head of government. As a symbolic function, representing the country at home and abroad is a task normally ascribed to any head of state. The Queen has been expected to lead by example in maintaining standards of citizenship and family life.
