The Role and Powers of the Queen in the 2019 Brexit Political Crises – Reflections from British and Commonwealth History

Abstract

ABSTRACTThis article assesses the role and powers of the Queen as Head of State during the political crises surrounding Brexit and the prorogation of parliament in 2019. These crises in Westminster highlighted the lack of contemporary awareness of the Queen’s constitutional capacities and constraints in such tense political conditions. A consequence of this was widespread confusion and ignorance regarding the use of the prerogative powers by both the Queen as Head of State and the Prime Minister as Head of Government. It seeks to show the importance of understanding the Queen’s position as a political actor rather than a purely ceremonial one by drawing on modern British and Commonwealth history.