As citizens of the United Kingdom head to the polls, the British royal family remains conspicuously absent from the ballot box. Despite their significant roles in the nation’s history and government, members of the royal family, including King Charles, Queen Camilla, Prince William, and Kate Middleton, do not participate in voting. This abstention stems from a longstanding tradition of political neutrality essential for maintaining the monarchy’s non-partisan role.

The Election Process and the Royal Family’s Role
On July 4, U.K. citizens will vote to elect all 650 members of the House of Commons, with the party commanding a majority forming the next government. Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, who has held office since October 2022, faces opposition from Labour Party leader Keir Starmer. Should Labour secure a majority, Starmer will become the new prime minister.

While the British monarch appoints new prime ministers, the King and other working royals do not vote. Historically, monarchs held the power to appoint and dismiss prime ministers, but today their role is more ceremonial, aimed at ensuring the smooth operation of government regardless of which party is in power. The royal family’s non-participation in elections underscores their commitment to political impartiality.

Legalities and Tradition
It’s not illegal for members of the royal family to vote. Robert Blackburn, a professor of constitutional law at King’s College London, explained that while the King and active royals can legally cast votes, they abstain to avoid media speculation and uphold their constitutional duty of maintaining strict political neutrality.

A Glimpse at Other Monarchies
Not all monarchies maintain such strict political neutrality. In Belgium, King Philippe and Queen Mathilde’s children, including Crown Princess Elisabeth, participated in the June election. However, the monarch and queen consort themselves abstained, similar to the British royal family’s approach.

The Sussexes and Political Expression
Meghan Markle, the Duchess of Sussex, became the first modern British royal family member to vote in a U.S. presidential election in 2020. After stepping back from royal duties and moving to California, Meghan emphasized the importance of voting, even appearing in a video with Gloria Steinem. She noted her husband’s inability to vote in either the U.K. or U.S. elections, highlighting the unique position of royals.

Prince Harry echoed similar sentiments during a TV appearance for TIME magazine’s list of the world’s most influential people. He emphasized the significance of voting and the need to combat hate speech and misinformation. Buckingham Palace clarified that Harry’s comments were made in a personal capacity, not as a working royal.

The Role of the Monarch in Government
Despite not voting, the monarch maintains a crucial role in government. King Charles holds a private weekly audience with the prime minister to discuss government matters. This tradition allows the King to “advise and warn” his ministers, including the prime minister, while remaining politically neutral. This advisory role ensures that the monarchy continues to support the nation’s democratic processes without directly influencing them.

Historical Context and Recent Changes
Queen Elizabeth’s final royal duty was appointing Liz Truss as prime minister on September 6, 2022, just two days before her passing. Truss’s brief tenure as the shortest-serving prime minister in U.K. history saw her resign after 45 days, leading to Rishi Sunak’s appointment by the Conservative Party. King Charles welcomed Sunak to the position during an audience at Buckingham Palace on October 25, 2022.

If Keir Starmer becomes the new prime minister following the July 4 election, he will be the third person to hold the position since King Charles ascended to the throne less than two years ago. The continuity of these appointments and the royal family’s commitment to political neutrality underscore the stability and tradition that the monarchy brings to the U.K. political landscape.

Conclusion: A Balancing Act of Tradition and Neutrality
The British royal family’s abstention from voting highlights their dedication to maintaining political neutrality. By staying above the political fray, the monarchy preserves its role as a unifying symbol and ensures that it can work harmoniously with any government in power. This delicate balance of tradition and neutrality allows the royal family to continue serving the nation while respecting the democratic processes that define modern Britain.

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Source: https://people.com/why-king-charles-royal-family-wont-vote-uk-election-8672755