Author Archives: jasonloch

Why Did Fake French Dukes Attend British Coronations?

Posted on April 10, 2023 by jasonloch

While reading Leopold G. Wickham Legg’s account of the Coronation Banquet in his English Coronation Records, I was struck by the following passage: On the King’s left hand there are also three tables. At the first sit the “Dukes of … Continue reading →

Posted in Monarchy in Britain, The Monarchy | Tagged , , , , , , , , , | Comments Off on Why Did Fake French Dukes Attend British Coronations?

Some Thoughts On The (Re)creation Of The Dukedom Of Edinburgh

Posted on March 10, 2023 by jasonloch

Buckingham Palace announced today that, as was widely expected, the Earl of Wessex will be created Duke of Edinburgh. However, the title will apparently be granted for life only, which is unusual by modern standards. Aside from some isolated creations … Continue reading →

Posted in Monarchy in Britain, The Monarchy | Tagged , , , , , , | Comments Off on Some Thoughts On The (Re)creation Of The Dukedom Of Edinburgh

A Tempest In A Teacup?

Posted on February 28, 2023 by jasonloch

The King had tea with the European Commission President, Ursula von der Leyen, yesterday. At first glance, this might seem like a standard diplomatic nicety, but it took place against a backdrop of tensions between the United Kingdom and the … Continue reading →

Posted in Monarchy in Britain, The Monarchy | Tagged , , , , | 1 Comment

What Is Section 35 Of The Scotland Act?

Posted on January 17, 2023 by jasonloch

After weeks of speculation, the Secretary of State for Scotland, Alister Jack, has blocked the Gender Recognition Reform (Scotland) Bill from receiving Royal Assent. The law seeks to simplify the process of changing one’s legal gender in Scotland,[1] and Jack … Continue reading →

Posted in British Constitution | Tagged , , , , , | Comments Off on What Is Section 35 Of The Scotland Act?

Goodbye Court Of Claims, Hello Coronation Claims Office

Posted on January 12, 2023 by jasonloch

Last week, the Cabinet Office announced the creation of a Coronation Claims Office that will decide who gets to perform certain ceremonial services connected with the King’s coronation. They have three sources:[1] hereditary rights, appanages to an office or title, … Continue reading →

Posted in Monarchy in Britain, The Monarchy | Tagged , , , , , , | 2 Comments

Some Thoughts On Counsellors Of State

Posted on November 24, 2022 by jasonloch

The Counsellors of State Bill cleared the House of Lords yesterday. Counsellors of State are members of the Royal Family who carry out the Sovereign’s functions if they are ill or absent from the United Kingdom, and this Bill would … Continue reading →

Posted in Monarchy in Britain, The Monarchy | Tagged , , , , , , , , , | Comments Off on Some Thoughts On Counsellors Of State

Ministerial Limbo

Posted on September 12, 2022 by jasonloch

One of the stranger consequences of Queen Elizabeth II’s death is that a good chunk of the British government now exists in a sort of constitutional limbo. Although she approved numerous ministerial appointments right before her death, she was unable … Continue reading →

Posted in British Constitution | Tagged , , , , , | Comments Off on Ministerial Limbo

What Happens At The Accession Council?

Posted on September 10, 2022 by jasonloch

Although the King inherited the crown the moment his mother died, today’s Accession Council marks one of the first constitutional milestones of his reign. In this post, I’ll look at what’s likely to happen during the ceremony. Before 1603, the … Continue reading →

Posted in Monarchy in Britain, The Monarchy | Tagged , , , , , | 2 Comments

How Do You Solve A Problem Like Boris?

Posted on July 6, 2022 by jasonloch

Westminster is in turmoil. The news that Boris Johnson appointed Chris Pincher as Deputy Chief Whip even though he knew Pincher had been accused of sexual misconduct has fanned the flames of discontent within the Conservative Party. The Chancellor of … Continue reading →

Posted in British Constitution | Tagged , , , , | Comments Off on How Do You Solve A Problem Like Boris?

What Are Counsellors Of State?

Posted on May 10, 2022 by jasonloch

The Prince of Wales and the Duke of Cambridge will open Parliament today after the Queen had to pull out due to mobility issues. They will be acting as Counsellors of State, but what exactly does that mean? Counsellors of … Continue reading →

Posted in Monarchy in Britain, The Monarchy | Tagged , , , , | 1 Comment