The queen’s political power is almost nonexistent. Per the royal family’s official website, the United Kingdom is a constitutional monarchy, and as such, to quote U.K. Parliament, Elizabeth II’s role is “broadly ceremonial.” She may open parliament (though, notably, she was unable to do so in 2022 due to health issues), but not participate in it. Likewise, the duty falls upon her to approve an incoming prime minister, but she does not have the right to vote for one of her choosing.
Beyond parliament, the queen is also not permitted to make political statements. As the official royal website states, “The Queen has to remain strictly neutral with respect to political matters.” Given her decades-long dedication to her duties, it’s unsurprising that it’s a hindrance she takes seriously — and one she’s ready to remind the world of when necessary. As CNN reported in 2016, Buckingham Palace was quick to shut down rumors after The Sun claimed that she was in favor of Brexit. “The Queen remains politically neutral,” their statement read — along with an ever-so-slightly shady royal add-on: “as she has for 63 years.”
Neutrality does have some drawbacks, though. As CNN noted, Elizabeth II has had to welcome a number of controversial world leaders throughout her reign. According to ITV documentary “Inside the Crown” (via the Independent) she once hid away from Romania’s former communist leader Nicolae Ceacescu in her downtime, to avoid engaging. However, publicly, she was pictured smiling alongside him.
Nicki
