Feb 3, 2020, 4:15 PM
(as of 2003) (via a friend)
Summary. If the queen has the loyalty of the armed forces she can do anything she wishes. The only practical means of her action is in crisis, if the government fails.
The Monarch is Sovereign
People are her subjects (family, wards)
Above the law and immune from prosecution
Diplomatic immunity anywhere on earth
Exempt from FOI requests
No passport nor driving license
No taxes
Commander in chief of all armed forces, who are sworn to her, not the state
The making of treaties
Declaration of war
Deployment of armed forces overseas
Recognition of foreign states
Accreditation and reception of diplomats
Appointment of Queen’s Counsel (Cabinet)
The appointment and regulation of the civil service
The appointment and dismissal of ministers, including the prime minister.
The summoning, prorogation and dissolution of Parliament
Royal assent to bills (or veto)
Consent before any law that affects the monarchy can be even discussed.
BUT!!! …. Cannot create law, only assent or veto – this is the cornerstone.
(And can bring in the army if she wants to enforce it)
Issue and revoke passports
Arrest, seize, anything commander anything at will
Administer punishments at will prerogative to keep the peace
Creation of corporations by Charter
Granting honours
Prerogative of mercy
Even over their souls – head of the church.
Only revolution can replace her.
Which is how it should be.
Devoted to public service
Limits her opinions to saying nothing
Specializes in ‘soft power’.
Most powerful woman in the world.
The commissioning of officers in the armed forces
Directing the disposition of the armed forces in the UK