The lesson
The monarch is the UK’s head of state and is expected to remain politically neutral. Constitutional duties include inviting the person best placed to command the confidence of the House of Commons to become Prime Minister and formally opening Parliament.
The elected government, led by the Prime Minister and cabinet, makes policy. The monarch meets the Prime Minister and is kept informed, but does not decide day-to-day government policy. King Charles III succeeded Queen Elizabeth II in 2022.
Queen Elizabeth II died on 8 September 2022. Her son became King Charles III. His wife is Queen Camilla; her current title is Queen, rather than Queen Consort.
King Charles III is the head of state. The Prime Minister is the head of government. The monarch does not personally run everyday government policy. Following an election, the monarch appoints as Prime Minister the person best placed to command the confidence of the House of Commons.
The monarch carries out constitutional and ceremonial duties, including opening Parliament and granting Royal Assent to legislation. In practice, many formal powers are exercised on ministerial advice. The elected government is responsible for policy.
At the State Opening of Parliament the monarch reads the King’s Speech, setting out the elected government’s programme. The monarch receives ambassadors and visiting heads of state and makes state visits. The national anthem is God Save the King. Elizabeth II became queen in 1952 and marked her Diamond Jubilee, sixty years on the throne, in 2012; Charles III succeeded her in 2022.