Sažetak | This paper examines the different roles of the Sovereign of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland. The British Monarchy is one of the most well-known in the world and its influence is significant for the nation, the Commonwealth, and is recognized very favourably globally. The aim of the paper was to prove that along with the representative, religious and the constitutional role, the Sovereign plays a significant part in the Armed Forces, the Commonwealth and as the patron of charities. The paper analyses the historical evolution of the United Kingdom and the monarchy itself, while focusing on the influences that shaped the nation as it is known today, mentioning crucial events and documents such as the Magna Carta, the Bill of Rights and the Glorious Revolution. Additionally, the paper highlights the general role of the monarch as well as each of the monarch’s specific roles, beginning with the representative role which is of crucial importance for the sense of pride and unity of the nation. Moreover, the paper discusses the significance of the formal and the ceremonial roles of the monarch, such as dissolution and prorogation of the Parliament, religious duties, the Royal Assent, jubilees, the coronation, and obligations regarding the Commonwealth and the charities. The paper also investigates the relationship between the monarchy, media and the public opinion. In the end, it can be concluded that the British Constitutional Monarchy provides social and political stability that establishes a balance between democracy and tradition and that is the reason that it has lasted for over a thousand years. |