The growing royal family
By Kaye Foley
April is here, and that means it’s time for Royal Baby Watch Part II. Prince William and Kate Middleton are expecting their second child sometime this month.
The new baby will be born with more than a silver spoon, but also a place in line to inherit the crown jewels and the throne. However, there are a few others ahead in that line, including big brother Prince George, making this baby the newest “spare” in the family.
The British royal family has a long history of heirs and spares. But how does the line of succession work? Well, let’s start with the current queen of the castle, Queen Elizabeth II. At 88 years old, she has been on the throne for 63 years. She has four children with her husband, Prince Philip. Her eldest, Charles, Prince of Wales, is the first in line for the crown. His son Prince William, Duke of Cambridge, is next, making William the heir and his younger brother, Prince Harry, the spare.
Following William is his 1-year-old son, Prince George. The new baby will fall in line after George, whether it’s a boy or a girl, and Prince Harry will get bumped down one more spot.
Once on the throne, the British sovereign, a constitutional monarch, has two roles: head of state and head of nation. The power of the king or queen has been limited by constitutional rules and strikes a more ceremonial tone now. Until the end of the 17th century, British monarchs held executive power, meaning they had the right to make and pass legislation. Now Parliament does that on the queen’s behalf.
As head of state, the queen still plays a part in state functions such as entertaining foreign ambassadors and signing ceremonial acts. She also meets with the prime minister once a week. During her time on the throne, Queen Elizabeth II has worked with 12 prime ministers.
Her job as head of nation is defined as “providing a focus for national identity, unity and pride … and recognizing success, achievement and excellence.” Think garden parties and knighting really talented people.
The royal family backs her up with those duties. Family members carry out 2,000 engagements worldwide each year. Part of their job description is to support the queen in making her guests feel welcome. So those in line to become the monarch will have had plenty of practice.
It’s a realistic “Game of Thrones,” albeit it a much more civilized one. As Britain looks toward the future and a new baby, at least after watching this video you can say, “Now I get it.”
