The prime minister and the queen are seen as the most influential people in a country and they have a high social stature in the eyes of citizens. These two leaders are found at the helm of a nation, especially when it comes to political decisions which affect the livelihood of people.
Duties of a prime minister in a monarch-led country
A PM is “the leader of the government of a country that is a constitutional monarchy [Source]. In countries such as Australia and France, which means he or she controls all issues related to the government.
Duties of prime ministers under a monarch include:
- Setting up the national agenda
- Appointing cabinet officials
- Governing at the behest of a party or a coalition of parties
- Working with the cabinet to come up with policies,
- and meeting foreign officials and dignitaries.
A PM in a nation that has the monarch as the head of the government can be seen performing other duties given to be presidents in other states. He/she can attend presidential gatherings as the head representative of a country and be treated like a president.
Duties of a monarch in a monarch-led country
The Royal Family website notes that the monarch is the Head Of State. It undertakes constitutional and representational duties. “In addition to these State duties, The Monarch has a less formal role as ‘Head of Nation’. The Sovereign acts as a focus for national identity, unity, and pride. It gives a sense of stability and continuity. It recognizes success and excellence and supports the idea of voluntary service” [Source].
The Relationship Between The Government And The Monarch
A country with a monarch simply means that there is a connection between politicians in the government and officials in the kingdom. The Government and The Monarch are linked as they collaborate in ruling a country. The Crown also appoints ministers in the government, which means it gives a hand in governing.
But since the monarch ranks higher than the government, it means all government officials answer to the throne on serious issues. As the Head of State, Queen Elizabeth gives a speech at the opening of each new Parliament. She makes official appearances and speeches on holidays and special occasions.
The Relationship Between The Prime Minister And The Queen
In the UK, “The office of prime minister is not established by any statute or constitutional document. It exists only by long-established convention. The reigning monarch appoints as prime minister the person most likely to command the confidence of the House of Commons. This individual is the leader of the political party or coalition of parties that holds the largest number of seats in that chamber” [Source].
If the Crown selects a person to be PM, it can also make recommendations to end one’s term in office. This means there is a strong connection between the PM and the Queen.
It is noted that “the monarch serves as a symbol of the country and the PM serves as the person making the UK’s most important decisions” [Source].
Does PM Boris Johnson meet Queen Elizabeth?
“The Queen keeps in close contact with the prime minister and is regularly kept up-to-date on all important national matters”. News sources confirm that PM Johnson and Queen Elizabeth meet weekly. Such a tradition has been happening between the Queen and a PM since she became the monarch in 1952.
It was revealed that these two leaders usually meet on Wednesday at Buckingham Palace. Their meeting is completely private and is not attended by the media. Neither special advisers nor official records of minutes are available.
Royal Family posits that “The Queen has held a weekly Audience with her Prime Minister throughout her reign. They discuss Government matters. The Audience is held in an Audience room in her apartments and is private” [Source]. The website also explained that “The Queen remains politically neutral on all matters. She is able to advise and warn’ her ministers – including her Prime Minister – when necessary”. It makes sense to have a Head of State meeting with the head of government to talk about issues related to the UK and other political matters.
The Queen explained the importance of these meetings with PMs in a 1992 documentary. She said, “They tell me what is going on or if they have any problems, and sometimes I can help in some way as well”.
She added that “They know I can be impartial and it is rather nice to feel one is a sponge. Occasionally one can put one’s point of view and perhaps they have not seen it from that angle”. Former PM David Cameron said these meetings were “very valuable and the monarch was “always up to speed” with political trends.
