The United Kingdom is a constitutional monarchy. This means the country has a King or Queen as head of state, but their powers are limited by law and convention.
The Current Monarch
**King Charles III** became King on 8 September 2022, following the death of his mother, Queen Elizabeth II, who reigned for 70 years.
Role of the Monarch
Ceremonial Duties - Opening of Parliament (State Opening) - Giving Royal Assent to laws - Receiving foreign ambassadors - Attending state occasions and ceremonies - Head of the Armed Forces (ceremonial)
Constitutional Role - Politically neutral - does not vote or express political opinions - Acts on advice of ministers - Meets weekly with the Prime Minister - Signs official documents
Head of the Commonwealth - King Charles III is Head of the Commonwealth - Symbolic leader of 56 independent nations - Role is not hereditary
The Royal Family
Key members include: - **Queen Camilla** - The King's wife - **Prince William** - Prince of Wales, heir to the throne - **Princess Catherine** - Princess of Wales - **Prince George** - Second in line to the throne
Funding
- The Royal Family is funded by the **Sovereign Grant**
- This comes from profits of the Crown Estate
- The monarch pays income tax voluntarily
National Anthem
"God Save the King" (or Queen) is the national anthem of the UK.