Modern monarchies exist outside the U. K — here’s where they are

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Queen Elizabeth II, the constitutional monarch of the United Kingdom since 1952, passed away Thursday at the age of 96. But that’s not the end from the monarch government in the U. K. or elsewhere in the world. And the constitutional monarchy isn’t the only type of modern day monarchy there is.

Here’s a snapshot associated with the different types of modern kingdoms and where they are located.

Most modern kingdoms are constitutional monarchies — monarchs are considered the ceremonial heads of state with public responsibilities. Meaningful political authority in a constitutional monarchy is granted to a president or prime minister by a constitution.

Fifteen sovereign nations are “commonwealth realms” — all of which are considered constitutional monarchies — in the particular Commonwealth of Nations, where King Charles III is the reigning monarch and head of state in Britain.

Absolute monarchies, where the monarch is the final authority, are few plus far between these days. There are currently five, excluding subnational monarchies: Brunei, Eswatini, Oman, Saudi Arabia and Vatican City. Though an absolute monarch can have a partial constitution, who becomes the next head of state is hereditary. But that is not always the case; the pope, for instance, is elected.

In a mixed monarchy, found in Liechtenstein, Monaco, Qatar and Kuwait, there is a legislative body, but the monarch retains much of their powers.

Federal monarchs, such as those in Malaysia and the United Arab Emirates, represent a federation associated with states from which the head of state is selected. Malaysia is considered a federal constitutional monarchy.

In the last 100 years, waves regarding revolution and decolonization and a rise in global democracy brought about the decline in monarchies.

Since the turn involving the century, Samoa plus Nepal have abolished their monarchies. Most recently, Barbados became a republic within the Commonwealth, getting rid connected with its monarchy last year and electing Sandra Mason as president and head of state.

The bottom line is that while there are still a number with monarchies in existence, it’s a new system of government that has been falling out of favor. Even in places like the U. K., where the royal family brings in huge amounts of tourism in addition to has many loyal fans, followers and subjects, many critics claim it will be an antiquated form for government, as well as the funds spent on keeping the family clothed and housed could be used elsewhere.

Thanks to Alicia Benjamin for copy editing this article.