Abstract

Through the advancements of media and information technologies, the media attention has intensified on the British monarchy in last decades. Walter Bagehot, who urged the monarchy to stay out of the light in order to save the magic, first discussed the effects of the intensity during the Victorian era. Bagehot’s theories are still used today to discuss the continuation of the monarchy in an ever-changing world. However, what does this mean for the monarchy in Britain? Can the monarchy remain intact through the next generation? Or will the monarchy and the royal family have to make concessions to maintain the status? Furthermore, can Bagehot’s theories truly stand up to the changes currently taking place in society today? Or is there another UK constitutional theorist who can better explain what the monarchy needs to do to survive?

The following research suggests the need for the monarchy to be just as flexible as the rest of the governmental entities in Britain. Evidence will suggest the monarchy must be willing to make changes and concessions in order to survive. Indeed, Walter Bagehot would never be able to fathom what the monarchy has already had to do to maintain its status. Additionally, the actions of several individual members of the royal family have created continued media interest unable to be ignored. While the tradition of the monarchy can remain unchanged, the monarchy must change to fit an ever-advancing society.