After Elizabeth: Can the Monarchy Save Itself?
Ebook
The British monarchy has been through turbulent times of late. Rocked by scandal and strife, and without it seems a clear plan for the future following the death of Queen Elizabeth II, we have been left wondering: what happens next?
Nothing seems certain. Will the monarchy survive with its continuing echoes of an Imperial past? Will young people - disenchanted with the political status quo - find the ritual and practice of the monarchy quite so mesmerising as previous generations have done? What might a republican Britain look like?
Ed Owens argues that the monarchy must embrace reform and transform itself radically. No more private jets while preaching about the importance of the environment; no more secrecy obscuring royal influence in high places; and no more hangers on enjoying grace-and-favour homes. A major slimming down is essential. And it's time the family archives were opened.
All these issues will have a direct effect on the common good of the nation as it tries to reinvent itself as a modern working democracy, and endeavours to equip itself for the coming decades. Ed Owens situates this critical moment of royal transition in its historical context in order to set out a vision for monarchy that is future-proof, but which would also see the crown play an integral role in the evolution of 21st-century Britain.
An in-depth discussion of the future of the monarchy after the death of Queen Elizabeth II and during the reign of Charles III.
This book is a book of great importance at a time of inevitable change. It is subtly titled and written in a way that will appeal to those who favour the monarchy and those who do not.
Owens is among the brightest of a new generation of academically trained historians who know how to write for a general trade audience.
Since the death of Queen Elizabeth, the author has been in constant demand as a commentator on radio, television and newspapers such as The Observer.
Ed Owens has a key role as a royal commentator and monarchy historian, but one who is meticulously objective in his judgements.
Introduction: Crown and country in crisis
Part One Ceremony, Spectacle and Tradition
1 Is it still something to be proud of?
2 Consecrated obstruction
3 The seasonable addition of nice and pretty events
4 An alien and uninspiring court?
5 The bride waves, the crowd cheers
6 The new Elizabethans
7 The glamour of backwardness
Part Two Duty, Service and Philanthropy
8 Devoted to your service
9 Benevolence sweetens authority
10 A living power for good
11 The heavy burden of responsibility
12 Come on Margaret!
13 A new Jerusalem?
14 The Queen had no choice
15I t's all part of minding deeply about this country
Part Three Family, Celebrity and Scandal
16 The press creates … the press destroys
17 A family on the throne
18 The royal soap opera
19 Killing the monarchy?
20 Annus horribilis
21 Never complain, never explain
22 Don't make my final years a misery
Part Four Nation, Democracy and the Constitution
23 No more good chaps
24 Democratic monarchy
25 One who reigns but does not rule?
26 To be invisible is to be forgotten
27 The spirit of generous compromise
28 The good of the country
29 The perfect constitutional monarch?
30 Queen's consent
Conclusion
Acknowledgements
Bibliography
Index
A lucid, clear-sighted, and highly readable analysis of the British monarchy's self-inflicted crisis.
With the clarity of expertise, Owens sets out an agenda to give the Crown an energetic role in the 21st century.
[Ed Owens] thoroughly and expertly examines the past and present of the British monarchy… Highly recommended and though-provoking, with practical and well-informed ideas.
- Title: After Elizabeth: Can the Monarchy Save Itself?
- Author: Ed Owens
- Publisher: Bloomsbury Continuum
- Print Publication Date: 2023
- Logos Release Date: 2024
- Language: English
- Resources: 1
- Format: Digital › Ebook
- ISBNs: 9781399406505, 9781399406529, 1399406523, 1399406507
- Resource ID: LLS:9781399406505
- Resource Type: Monograph
- Metadata Last Updated: 2024-05-12T08:22:59Z
Ed Owens is the author of The Family Firm: Monarchy, Mass Media and the British Public. He is an historian, royal commentator and public speaker. He is often in demand on radio and television to discuss the subject matter of this book.
edowens.com