Abstract
The British monarchy is a shared monarchy which can trace its ancestral lineage back to the Anglo-Saxon period. The British monarch or Sovereign is the Head of state of the United Kingdom and in the British overseas territories. So the British monarch is also head of state of sixteen other countries, all of which were once part of the British Empire. These countries, together with the UK, are known as the Commonwealth Realms.
The powers of the monarchy, known as the Royal Prerogative, are still very extensive. But most of the powers are exercised not by the monarch personally, but by ministers. Indeed, as the modern British monarchy is a constitutional one, the Sovereign's role has been recognized since the 19th century, but in practice, political power is exercised today through Parliament and by the Prime Minister and Cabinet. The present Sovereign is Queen Elizabeth II, who has reigned since February 6Th, 1952. But her function is often criticized and discussed for the money it represents. On the other side, it seems difficult to imagine Britain without the Royal Family.
