Features

The history of the Stone of Scone and its role in the Coronation of King Charles III

The Stone of Scone is one of the most famous symbols of Coronations in the United Kingdom and it has a long and controversial history. It is a block of red sandstone that has been associated with the coronation of the monarchs of Scotland, and later England and the United Kingdom, for hundreds of years. Also known as the Stone of Destiny, the 336-pound Stone was taken from Scone Abbey in…
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European RoyalsFeaturesThe Netherlands

The role of the monarch in The Netherlands

The monarchy of the Netherlands has undergone many changes since its founding in 1815. Like most of Europe’s monarchies, the Dutch throne has transitioned to a constitutional monarchy that delegates most of the sovereign’s executive authority to ministers responsible for carrying out the tasks of government. King Willem-Alexander is the current King of the Netherlands and is the country’s…
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King Charles III

The monarch's role in the United Kingdom

Walter Bagehot once wrote: “The nation is divided into parties, but the Crown is of no party.” In the United Kingdom, the sovereign maintains a politically neutral position. King Charles III is the head of state of the United Kingdom and 14 other realms of the…
Features

The Orb and Sceptre at the Coronation of King Charles III

The Sovereign’s Orb and The Sovereign’s Sceptre are two of the most famous pieces of the Crown Jewels of the United Kingdom. Housed within Jewel House in the Tower of London, the Crown Jewels include over 100 objects and 23,000 gemstones. The Crown Jewels are part of the Royal Collection and are held in trust for the nation by the Monarch. The Orb and Sceptre were placed on Elizabeth II’s…
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King Charles III

Does King Charles III still need a passport?

In the United Kingdom, the monarch does not need a passport to travel overseas because passports are issued in his or her name. The same rules apply for driver licences, King Charles does not need one because they are issued in the name of the monarch. All other members of…
Features

The Laws of Succession in...Liechtenstein

The Principality of Liechtenstein is a small landlocked country between Switzerland and Austria. The current Prince of Liechtenstein is Prince Hans-Adam II, who has reigned since 13 November 1989. Liechtenstein is the only remaining European monarchy to practice strict agnatic primogeniture, meaning only males can inherit the throne. Prince Hans-Adam II is the country’s head of state, though…
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