Criticism of Media Coverage and Constitutional Role

This page delves into Milne's criticism of media coverage surrounding royal events and the constitutional role of the monarchy. He argues that the reporting on royal births is excessively deferential and out of place in a modern democracy.

Milne contends that the monarchy is not merely a decorative institution but retains significant unaccountable powers that could be decisive in extreme circumstances. This challenges the common portrayal of the role of the British monarch as purely ceremonial.

Quote: "If the royal family were simply the decorative constitutional adornment its supporters claim [...] its deferential culture and invented traditions might be less corrosive."

Definition: Unaccountable powers - Authority or influence that is not subject to public scrutiny or democratic control.

Highlight: The author argues that the monarchy's constitutional powers are more significant than commonly portrayed, potentially impacting British democracy.

The Role of the Royal Family in Modern Britain

This section would likely expand on the role of the Royal Family in contemporary British society. It would discuss the various duties and responsibilities of royal family members, their public engagements, and their role in representing Britain internationally.

The text might explore how the Royal Family balances tradition with modernization efforts, and how they navigate their position in a democratic society. This could include discussion of charitable work, military service, and other ways in which royals contribute to public life.

Vocabulary: Royal engagements - Official duties and public appearances performed by members of the Royal Family.

Example: The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge's work on mental health awareness could be cited as an example of how younger royals are shaping their roles.

Highlight: The evolving role of the Royal Family reflects broader changes in British society and expectations of public figures.

British Monarchy: Pros and Cons

This final section would likely present a balanced overview of the British monarchy pros and cons. It would summarize arguments both for and against the continuation of the monarchy in modern Britain.

Pros might include the monarchy's role in providing stability, continuity, and a sense of national identity. Cons could focus on issues of democratic legitimacy, cost to taxpayers, and the perpetuation of class inequality.

The text might also touch on practical considerations of what abolishing the monarchy would entail, addressing the question of what the British monarchy actually does and how hard it would be to abolish it.

Example: The tourism revenue generated by the monarchy could be cited as an economic argument in its favor.

Quote: "Far from uniting the country, the monarchy's role is seen as illegitimate and offensive by millions of its citizens, and entrenches hereditary privilege at the heart of public life."

Highlight: The debate over the monarchy's place in modern Britain involves complex considerations of tradition, democracy, and national identity.