Prince Andrew: Six lessons for modern monarchy

Keeping the monarchy small and allowing minor royals the means of escape are among six key lessons for a modern monarchy, outlined by UCL's leading constitutional experts. The conclusions are drawn from a new book The Role of Monarchy in Modern Democracies, about the constitutional monarchies of Europe, to be published next year. The research is timely given Prince Andrew's recent withdrawal from public life and speculation that Prince Charles might reduce the number of royals when he succeeds to the throne. Lead author Professor Robert Hazell (UCL Constitution Unit) said: "We put our royal families on a pedestal, and expect them to be models of good behaviour - something we do not seem now to expect of the politicians who are our real rulers. But one of the many paradoxes of monarchy is that this seemingly unaccountable institution, based upon heredity, in practice has proved to be quite closely accountable." The comparative study looked at seven other constitutional monarchies in Europe, in addition to the UK. This included Scandinavian monarchies of Denmark, Norway and Sweden, the Benelux countries of Belgium, the Netherlands and Luxembourg, Spain and the UK. Drawing from his upcoming book, Professor Hazell outlines his six key lessons for a modern monarchy: Lesson one: Keep 'The Firm' small.