You might think that the King and the Royal Family spend their days just waving from balconies and attending parties. While they do some of that, their main job is actually much more important: serving the country and the Commonwealth.
Unlike kings and queens of old who held all the power, today’s British monarch is a Head of State, but not a Head of Government. This means they are a symbol of the UK, representing the nation both at home and around the world, but they don’t make political decisions or pass laws.
The King, as Head of State, performs many important ceremonial duties. For example, he officially opens Parliament each year, a grand ceremony that marks the start of the parliamentary session. He also gives ‘Royal Assent’ to new laws, which is the final step before a bill officially becomes a law.
While the Prime Minister is chosen by the people in a general election, the King formally appoints them to form a government. He also hosts many world leaders and ambassadors who visit the UK, helping to build good relationships with other countries. These roles are about tradition and continuity.
One of the most visible duties of the Royal Family is representing the UK on the international stage. The King, Queen, and other senior royals undertake ‘State Visits’ to other countries, acting as ambassadors for Britain.
During these visits, they promote British trade, culture, and interests, meeting with foreign heads of state and their citizens. They also host visiting presidents, prime ministers, and monarchs from other nations here in the UK, often at Buckingham Palace or Windsor Castle.
The King is also the Head of the Commonwealth, a voluntary association of 56 independent countries, most of which have historical links to the British Empire. This role is separate from his duties as monarch of the UK.
As Head of the Commonwealth, the King helps to unite these diverse nations and promote shared values like democracy, human rights, and good governance. You can learn more about this special group of countries on our Commonwealth page.
A huge part of the Royal Family’s work involves supporting charities and voluntary organisations. Individually, members of the Royal Family are patrons or presidents of hundreds of charities, from environmental causes to children’s hospitals and sports clubs.
They attend events, visit projects, and help raise awareness and money for these important causes. This patronage can bring a lot of attention and support to organisations that might otherwise struggle to be noticed, making a real difference to people’s lives across the UK and beyond.
The King plays a key role in the British honours system, which recognises people for their achievements and service to the country. He personally presents awards like knighthoods, OBEs, and MBEs at special ceremonies called ‘Investitures’.
These ceremonies are held at Buckingham Palace or Windsor Castle and are a chance to celebrate extraordinary Britons from all walks of life. It is a moment of great pride for those being honoured and their families.
The King is the Head of the British Armed Forces, a tradition that dates back centuries. While he doesn’t command troops directly, he holds many honorary military appointments and acts as a symbol of unity and inspiration for service personnel.
Members of the Royal Family often serve in the military themselves, and they regularly attend parades, remembrance services, and visit troops both at home and abroad. This shows their strong connection and support for those who protect our nation.
The duties of the Royal Family have changed a lot over hundreds of years. In the past, monarchs held much more political power, making laws and leading armies directly. Over time, power shifted towards Parliament, and Britain became a constitutional monarchy.
Today, the Royal Family’s role is largely ceremonial and focused on public service, representing the continuity and traditions of the nation. This allows them to unite people above politics and act as a constant presence in a changing world.
The King, Queen, Prince and Princess of Wales, and other ‘working royals’ carry out thousands of engagements each year. These include everything from opening new schools and hospitals to hosting garden parties and welcoming foreign dignitaries. You can learn more about the history of the monarchy on our British Monarchy page.
Their work, while not about ruling, is vital for bringing people together, celebrating British culture, and promoting the UK on the world stage.
by Mandy Barrow
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Special Days in December
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Learn about Christmas in England from the children who live in Britain Christmas traditions why do what we do at chrsitmas time
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is the creator of the Woodlands Resources section of the Woodlands Junior website. left Woodlands in 2003 to work in Kent schools as an ICT Consulatant. Woodlands Junior Homework Help new website |
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