United Kingdom
0
Queen Elizabeth II: How Brexit crisis could force Queen to abdicate - 'It's problematic'
Queen Elizabeth II: How Brexit crisis could force Queen to abdicate - 'It's problematic'
27th July 2019
QUEEN ELIZABETH II is the longest-reigning monarch in British history. But could the growing Brexit crisis send her into early retirement?
During her reign, the Queen has seen 14 British prime ministers come into power. She has reigned over the decolonisation of Africa, devolution in the United Kingdom and Canadian partition. But now, at the age of 93, the Brexit crisis threatens to force her into the type of decision making she has never had to undertake in her 67 years as monarch.
While the new British Prime Minister, Boris Johnson, attempts to find a way around the Brexit deadlock, one option that has been floated has been the option of proroguing Parliament.
Proroguing is the process whereby the Queen ends a session of Parliament and the time before it is reopened.
Only the Queen can prorogue Parliament, but she just does so on a nominal basis on the advice of the Prime Minister.
But this time, Parliament has voted against proroguing Parliament to push through a no deal Brexit.
Queen Elizabeth II: Only the Queen can prorogue Parliament
If Mr Johnson asked her to prorogue and she obliged, it would be the most dramatic and political move in her 67-year reign.
Director of Birmingham City University’s Centre for Brexit Studies, Alex De Ruyter, told the Express.co.uk: “This has the potential to hugely politicise the role of the Queen.”
He added: “It’s almost impossible to see the Queen attempting to override our elected Parliament, but ignoring the request of a sitting Prime Minister is problematic for her as well.”
This level of political turmoil for the Queen is leading some to worry about the 93-year-old’s workload.
Queen Elizabeth II: Inviting Boris Johnson to form a Government
Queen Elizabeth II: Prince Philip retired in 2017
When she was 21, the Queen said in a public address: “I declare before you all that my whole life, whether it be long or short, shall be devoted to your service and the service of our great imperial family to which we all belong.”
As it turns out, the Queen has enjoyed a long life, with some wondering if its time for her to retire with her husband Prince Philip.
Royal expert Duncan Larcomb said: “She’s in her nineties now, yes she’s in good health but I think she’s entitled to retirement by now.”
The Queen herself seemed to direct comments at the politicians filling the House of Commons recently when she spoke to the Scottish Parliament to mark 20 years since it was reconvened in Edinburgh.
Queen Elizabeth II: The Queen is facing an unprecedented crisis in Parliament
She said: “It is perhaps worth reflecting that at the heart of the word ‘parliament’ lies its original meaning: a place to talk.
“I have no doubt that for most of these last 20 years this striking chamber has provided exactly that, a place to talk.
“But of course it must also be a place to listen – a place to hear views that inevitably may differ quite considerably, one from another – and a place to honour those views.”
This is an unusual statement for Her Majesty who usually steers clear of political matters - but these are unusual times.
https://www.express.co.uk/news/royal...gue-parliament
Reply With Quote
Bookmarks