Fact: The monarchy in Great Britain
Elizabeth II became Queen of Great Britain when her father King George VI died in 1952.
Following her death on 8 September 2022, it was announced on 10 September that Charles will become the new British Regent.
The announcement was made by a special council, “The Accession Council”, which includes the Prime Minister and senior members of parliament. The council has around 700 members.
In conjunction with the announcement, King Charles’ son William became Prince of Wales – the title Charles previously held.
As a British monarch, one has a corresponding title in 15 of the more than 50 states that are part of the Commonwealth of Formerly British-ruled countries, including Australia, Canada, New Zealand and Jamaica.
Queen Elizabeth II was regent for 70 years, from the death of her father on 6 February 1952 until her own death, making her the longest-reigning British monarch ever.
Sources: Encyclopaedia Britannica, National Encyclopedia, British Parliament
Charles III himself will one day be succeeded by his son, Prince William, who is next in line to the British throne.
This is followed by Prince George, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis, who are all children of Prince William and his wife Catherine.
Regent Street in London has been decorated for the coronation of Charles and Camilla on May 6.
Prince William’s brother, Prince Harry, is first in fifth place in the order of succession, followed by his and wife Meghan Markle’s children Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet.
Constitutional monarchy
Britain, like Sweden, is a constitutional monarchy, where the royal house has a ceremonial role. Political power rests with the prime minister and his cabinet – while the monarch signs all legislation in a final step.
The monarchy has its origins in the smaller kingdoms that existed in the British Isles in the Middle Ages, which later became an English and a Scottish kingdom. In the early 18th century these merged into the Kingdom of Great Britain and a parliamentary system was established.
Changed name to Windsor
Around the same time, the British crown was inherited by the Elector of German Hanover, later George I, and the crown passed down through German dynasties. In connection with the world wars, the royal family changed its surname from the German-sounding Sachsen-Coburg-Gotha to today’s Windsor.