Why in news?

• King Charles III becomes the 40th British monarch, crowned at Westminster Abbey in London.
• In front of a congregation, the spiritual leader of the Anglican Church, slowly placed the 360-year-old St Edward's Crown on Charles' head as he sat upon a 14th-century throne in Westminster Abbey.

What’s in today’s article?

• Westminster Abbey
• About Britain’s Monarch

Westminster Abbey

• It is a historic church located in the City of Westminster, London, United Kingdom.
  • An abbey refers to a religious building, which can either mean a church or a place where monks or nuns live.
  • This abbey’s story begins with King Edward, also known as Edward the Confessor.
    • He was born in the 11th century into a royal family but was forced to flee his homeland after Danish attacks in the region.
    • Later, upon his return to the Kingdom, he ordered a new church to be built at Westminster. The Abbey was consecrated(to make or declare sacred) in 1065.
• It is one of the most famous and important religious buildings in the country, and has been the site of many important royal and national events throughout history.
• The Abbey has been the coronation church for English and British monarchs since 1066.
  • Every Westminster Abbey coronation has taken place in the vicinity of King Edward’s shrine.
  • Successors were placed in St Edward’s Chair, famously known as the Coronation Chair, carrying the Stone of Scone, and monarchs are typically crowned with St Edward’s Crown.
  • With the use of regalia related to King Edward, influence of a monarch from nearly 1,000 years ago continues to hold strong over the present.
• It is also the final resting place of many monarchs, statesmen, and other important figures from British history, including Isaac Newton, Charles Darwin, and Winston Churchill.

Britain’s Monarchy:

• Monarchy is the oldest form of government in the United Kingdom.
• In a monarchy, a king or queen is Head of State.
• The British Monarchy is known as a constitutional monarchy.
  • This means that, while The Sovereign is Head of State, the ability to make and pass legislation resides with an elected Parliament.
• Although The Sovereign no longer has a political or executive role, he or she continues to play an important part in the life of the nation.

Duties of the Monarch:

• As Head of State, The Monarch undertakes constitutional and representational duties which have developed over one thousand years of history.
• In addition to these State duties, The Monarch has a less formal role as 'Head of Nation'.
  • President of India enjoys the similar title of ‘Head of the State’ in India.
• The Sovereign acts as a focus for national identity, unity and pride; gives a sense of stability and continuity; officially recognises success and excellence; and supports the ideal of voluntary service.

Powers of the Monarchy:

• The British monarch is mainly a ceremonial figurehead and is generally expected not to intervene in political matters.
• But as head of state, they have retained some constitutional powers.
• Appointing a Government –
  • The day after a general election, the monarch invites the leader of the party that won the most seats in the House of Commons to become prime minister and form a government.
• Opening & Dissolving Parliament –
  • The monarch opens parliament every year and reads out the government's plans for the next 12 months.
  • The Crown also formally dissolves parliament before a general election.
• Royal Assent –
  • After a bill has been approved by the House of Commons and the House of Lords, it is sent to the monarch to approve and turn into a law.
  • The monarch has the power to refuse a Bill.
  • However, the most recent monarch to refuse assent was Queen Anne (in 1708).

 News Summary: King Charles III crowned at London's Westminster Abbey

• CharlesIII , Britain’s new monarch, was crowned at Westminster Abbey in London.
  • Vice-president Jagdeep Dhankhar represented India at the historic Coronation ceremony.
• In 1066, the monarch William the Conqueror invaded England with his army and was crowned here.
• Since then, 39 coronation ceremonies and 16 royal weddings have taken place in the cathedral.
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