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UK Royal Family: What does the King do? UK Royal Family: What does the King do?
(3 days later)
King Charles delivered his first King's Speech since becoming monarch, as part of the state opening of Parliament in November
The King is marking his 75th birthday by launching the Coronation Food Project, which aims to tackle food poverty and waste.
As was the case for his mother, Elizabeth II, he also has an "official birthday", in June, celebrated with the Trooping the Colour ceremony.
Prince Charles was crowned King Charles III at Westminster Abbey in May 2023 alongside his wife, Queen Camilla.Prince Charles was crowned King Charles III at Westminster Abbey in May 2023 alongside his wife, Queen Camilla.
On 7 November, he gave his first King's Speech at the State Opening of Parliament since becoming monarch.
In May 2022 he delivered the Queen's Speech on behalf of his mother, Queen Elizabeth II.
What does the King do?What does the King do?
The King is the UK head of state, but his powers are largely symbolic and ceremonial, and he remains politically neutral.The King is the UK head of state, but his powers are largely symbolic and ceremonial, and he remains politically neutral.
He receives daily dispatches from the government in a red leather box, including briefings ahead of important meetings, or documents needing his signature.He receives daily dispatches from the government in a red leather box, including briefings ahead of important meetings, or documents needing his signature.
The prime minister normally meets the King on a Wednesday at Buckingham Palace.The prime minister normally meets the King on a Wednesday at Buckingham Palace.
These meetings are completely private, and no official records are kept of what is said.These meetings are completely private, and no official records are kept of what is said.
Rishi Sunak is the second prime minister of King Charles's reignRishi Sunak is the second prime minister of King Charles's reign
The King also has a number of official parliamentary roles:The King also has a number of official parliamentary roles:
Appointing a government - the leader of the party that wins a general election is usually called to Buckingham Palace, where they are invited to form a government. The King also formally dissolves the government before a general electionAppointing a government - the leader of the party that wins a general election is usually called to Buckingham Palace, where they are invited to form a government. The King also formally dissolves the government before a general election
State Opening and the King's Speech - the King begins the parliamentary year with the State Opening ceremony, where he sets out the government's plans in a speech delivered from the throne in the House of LordsState Opening and the King's Speech - the King begins the parliamentary year with the State Opening ceremony, where he sets out the government's plans in a speech delivered from the throne in the House of Lords
Royal Assent - when a piece of legislation is passed through Parliament, it must be formally approved by the King in order to become law. The last time Royal Assent was refused was in 1708Royal Assent - when a piece of legislation is passed through Parliament, it must be formally approved by the King in order to become law. The last time Royal Assent was refused was in 1708
In addition, the monarch leads the annual Remembrance event in November at the Cenotaph in London.In addition, the monarch leads the annual Remembrance event in November at the Cenotaph in London.
The King also hosts visiting heads of state - such as South African President Cyril Ramaphosa - and regularly meets foreign ambassadors and high commissioners. The King also hosts visiting heads of state, and regularly meets foreign ambassadors and high commissioners.
For his first state visit, Charles visited Germany, where he became the first British monarch to address the country's parliament, speaking in both English and German. For his first state visit, Charles visited Germany, where he became the first British monarch to address the country's parliament, speaking in English and German.
The King also travelled to France for a three-day state visit in September, and to Kenya for a four-day state visit in October, where he acknowledged the "abhorrent and unjustifiable acts of violence committed against Kenyans" during their independence struggle.The King also travelled to France for a three-day state visit in September, and to Kenya for a four-day state visit in October, where he acknowledged the "abhorrent and unjustifiable acts of violence committed against Kenyans" during their independence struggle.
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Watch: King tells of regret for British Empire 'wrongdoings'Watch: King tells of regret for British Empire 'wrongdoings'
Watch: King tells of regret for British Empire 'wrongdoings'Watch: King tells of regret for British Empire 'wrongdoings'
Buckingham Palace has confirmed the King will deliver the opening address at the Cop28 climate conference in Dubai in December.
Charles is also head of the Commonwealth, an association of 56 independent countries spanning 2.5 billion people. He is head of state for 14 of these, known as the Commonwealth realms, as well as the Crown dependencies - the Channel Islands and the Isle of Man.Charles is also head of the Commonwealth, an association of 56 independent countries spanning 2.5 billion people. He is head of state for 14 of these, known as the Commonwealth realms, as well as the Crown dependencies - the Channel Islands and the Isle of Man.
The Queen supports the King in carrying out his work and undertakes her own public engagements on behalf of the 90 charities she supports.The Queen supports the King in carrying out his work and undertakes her own public engagements on behalf of the 90 charities she supports.
King Charles III, the new monarchKing Charles III, the new monarch
Camilla: From tabloid target to crowned queenCamilla: From tabloid target to crowned queen
Prince Harry to call as King Charles celebrates 75th birthday with new food project
Where does the Royal Family get its money?Where does the Royal Family get its money?
The Royal Family receives an annual payment from the taxpayer, known as the Sovereign Grant, which is used to pay for official expenses, such as the upkeep of properties and staff costs.The Royal Family receives an annual payment from the taxpayer, known as the Sovereign Grant, which is used to pay for official expenses, such as the upkeep of properties and staff costs.
The amount is based on a proportion of the profits of the Crown Estate, a property business owned by the monarch but run independently. It had assets worth £16.5bn in 2022.The amount is based on a proportion of the profits of the Crown Estate, a property business owned by the monarch but run independently. It had assets worth £16.5bn in 2022.
The Sovereign Grant was worth £86.3m in 2022-2023, the same as in 2021-2022. But total spending for the year was £107.5m, a 5% increase on the £102.4m spent the previous year, with more than £20m drawn from financial reserves to cover the shortfall.The Sovereign Grant was worth £86.3m in 2022-2023, the same as in 2021-2022. But total spending for the year was £107.5m, a 5% increase on the £102.4m spent the previous year, with more than £20m drawn from financial reserves to cover the shortfall.
A 10-year refurbishment programme for Buckingham Palace began in 2017A 10-year refurbishment programme for Buckingham Palace began in 2017
The King also receives money from a private estate called the Duchy of Lancaster, which is passed down from monarch to monarch. It covers more than 18,000 hectares of land, including property in central London. Worth £654m, it generates about £20m a year in profits.The King also receives money from a private estate called the Duchy of Lancaster, which is passed down from monarch to monarch. It covers more than 18,000 hectares of land, including property in central London. Worth £654m, it generates about £20m a year in profits.
The Duke of Cornwall (currently William, Prince of Wales) benefits from the Duchy of Cornwall, which mainly owns land in the south-west of England. Worth £1bn, it generated a net surplus of £24m in 2022-23.The Duke of Cornwall (currently William, Prince of Wales) benefits from the Duchy of Cornwall, which mainly owns land in the south-west of England. Worth £1bn, it generated a net surplus of £24m in 2022-23.
The King and William receive the profits from the duchies personally, and can spend the money as they wish. Both voluntarily pay income tax on the proceeds.The King and William receive the profits from the duchies personally, and can spend the money as they wish. Both voluntarily pay income tax on the proceeds.
In addition, some other Royal Family members have private art, jewellery and stamp collections which they can sell or use to generate income as they wish.In addition, some other Royal Family members have private art, jewellery and stamp collections which they can sell or use to generate income as they wish.
Where do Harry and Meghan get their money?Where do Harry and Meghan get their money?
What happened at the Coronation?What happened at the Coronation?
In May 2023, Charles and Camilla were crowned by the Archbishop of Canterbury in front of more than 2,000 guests, including global politicians, fellow kings and queens, religious leaders, celebrities and community champions.In May 2023, Charles and Camilla were crowned by the Archbishop of Canterbury in front of more than 2,000 guests, including global politicians, fellow kings and queens, religious leaders, celebrities and community champions.
During the ceremony at Westminster Abbey, the King was anointed with "holy oil", and received the orb and sceptre, symbols of royalty.During the ceremony at Westminster Abbey, the King was anointed with "holy oil", and received the orb and sceptre, symbols of royalty.
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Watch King Charles III be crownedWatch King Charles III be crowned
Watch King Charles III be crownedWatch King Charles III be crowned
Afterwards, huge crowds lined the streets of central London to watch the King and Queen return to Buckingham Palace in a mile-long procession featuring more than 4,000 members of the armed forces from the UK and the Commonwealth.Afterwards, huge crowds lined the streets of central London to watch the King and Queen return to Buckingham Palace in a mile-long procession featuring more than 4,000 members of the armed forces from the UK and the Commonwealth.
Take That and Katy Perry headlined a concert at Windsor Castle, which also featured the Royal Shakespeare Company, the Royal Ballet, the Royal College of Music and the Royal Opera.Take That and Katy Perry headlined a concert at Windsor Castle, which also featured the Royal Shakespeare Company, the Royal Ballet, the Royal College of Music and the Royal Opera.
On the final day of Coronation celebrations, several members of the Royal Family joined volunteers at projects across the UK, while 30,000 charities arranged 55,000 events as part of the Big Help Out initiative.On the final day of Coronation celebrations, several members of the Royal Family joined volunteers at projects across the UK, while 30,000 charities arranged 55,000 events as part of the Big Help Out initiative.
More than 60 protesters were arrested during the Coronation, including the head of the anti-monarchy group Republic, Graham Smith.More than 60 protesters were arrested during the Coronation, including the head of the anti-monarchy group Republic, Graham Smith.
The Coronation: Six takeaways from a historic dayThe Coronation: Six takeaways from a historic day
What it was really like inside the AbbeyWhat it was really like inside the Abbey
How was Charles's accession marked in Scotland?How was Charles's accession marked in Scotland?
Two months after the Westminster Abbey Coronation, the King was presented with the Scottish crown jewels, in a special service of thanksgiving at St Giles' Cathedral, in Edinburgh.Two months after the Westminster Abbey Coronation, the King was presented with the Scottish crown jewels, in a special service of thanksgiving at St Giles' Cathedral, in Edinburgh.
He was given the sword, orb and the crown worn by Mary, Queen of Scots, in 1543, collectively known as the the Honours of Scotland.He was given the sword, orb and the crown worn by Mary, Queen of Scots, in 1543, collectively known as the the Honours of Scotland.
The King was presented with the crown by the Duke of Hamilton and BrandonThe King was presented with the crown by the Duke of Hamilton and Brandon
The service was followed by a 21-gun salute from Edinburgh Castle and a flypast by the Royal Air Force's Red Arrows.The service was followed by a 21-gun salute from Edinburgh Castle and a flypast by the Royal Air Force's Red Arrows.
Thousands lined the Royal Mile, in Scotland's capital, to watch the procession, including some protesters chanting: "Not my King".Thousands lined the Royal Mile, in Scotland's capital, to watch the procession, including some protesters chanting: "Not my King".
Who else is in the Royal Family?Who else is in the Royal Family?
After the Coronation, members of the Royal Family watched a flypast from the the Palace balconyAfter the Coronation, members of the Royal Family watched a flypast from the the Palace balcony
Prince William is the elder son of King Charles and his first wife, the late Princess Diana. After the death of the Queen, he became the Prince of Wales and Duke of Cornwall while retaining his previous Duke of Cambridge title. He is married to Catherine, Princess of Wales and Duchess of Cornwall and Cambridge. They have three children: Prince George, Princess Charlotte and Prince LouisPrince William is the elder son of King Charles and his first wife, the late Princess Diana. After the death of the Queen, he became the Prince of Wales and Duke of Cornwall while retaining his previous Duke of Cambridge title. He is married to Catherine, Princess of Wales and Duchess of Cornwall and Cambridge. They have three children: Prince George, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis
The Princess Royal (Princess Anne) was the Queen's second child and only daughter. She is married to Vice Adm Timothy Laurence and has two children with her first husband, Captain Mark Phillips: Peter Phillips and Zara TindallThe Princess Royal (Princess Anne) was the Queen's second child and only daughter. She is married to Vice Adm Timothy Laurence and has two children with her first husband, Captain Mark Phillips: Peter Phillips and Zara Tindall
The Duke of Edinburgh (Prince Edward) was the Queen's youngest child. He is married to the Duchess of Edinburgh (Sophie Rhys-Jones). They have two children: Lady Louise and James, Earl of WessexThe Duke of Edinburgh (Prince Edward) was the Queen's youngest child. He is married to the Duchess of Edinburgh (Sophie Rhys-Jones). They have two children: Lady Louise and James, Earl of Wessex
The Duke of York (Prince Andrew) was the Queen's second son. He has two daughters with his former wife, the Duchess of York (Sarah Ferguson): Princess Beatrice and Princess Eugenie. Prince Andrew stepped down as a "working Royal" in 2019 after a controversial BBC Newsnight interview about allegations that he had sexually assaulted Virginia Giuffre. In February 2022, he paid an undisclosed sum to settle the civil sexual assault case Ms Guiffre had brought against him in the US The Duke of York (Prince Andrew) was the Queen's second son. He has two daughters with his former wife, the Duchess of York (Sarah Ferguson): Princess Beatrice and Princess Eugenie. Prince Andrew stepped down as a "working Royal" in 2019 after a controversial BBC Newsnight interview about allegations that he had sexually assaulted Virginia Giuffre. In February 2022, he paid an undisclosed sum to settle the civil sexual assault case which Ms Guiffre brought against him in the US
The Duke of Sussex (Prince Harry) is William's younger brother. He is married to the Duchess of Sussex (Meghan Markle). They have two children: Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet. In 2020, they announced they were stepping back as senior royals and moved to CaliforniaThe Duke of Sussex (Prince Harry) is William's younger brother. He is married to the Duchess of Sussex (Meghan Markle). They have two children: Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet. In 2020, they announced they were stepping back as senior royals and moved to California
How does succession work?How does succession work?
The order of succession sets out which member of the Royal Family takes over as monarch when the existing one dies or abdicates. First in line - the heir to the throne - is the monarch's eldest child.The order of succession sets out which member of the Royal Family takes over as monarch when the existing one dies or abdicates. First in line - the heir to the throne - is the monarch's eldest child.
Since Royal succession rules were amended in 2013, sons no longer take precedence over their older sisters.Since Royal succession rules were amended in 2013, sons no longer take precedence over their older sisters.
King Charles's heir is his elder son, the Prince of Wales.King Charles's heir is his elder son, the Prince of Wales.
William's eldest child Prince George is second-in-line to the throne, and his daughter Princess Charlotte is third. Her younger brother Prince Louis is fourth and Prince Harry is fifth.William's eldest child Prince George is second-in-line to the throne, and his daughter Princess Charlotte is third. Her younger brother Prince Louis is fourth and Prince Harry is fifth.
Royal Family tree and line of successionRoyal Family tree and line of succession
How popular is the Royal Family?How popular is the Royal Family?
A YouGov opinion poll of more than 2,000 adults in Britain ahead of the first anniversary of Queen Elizabeth's death suggested a sharp generational divide in attitudes towards the Royal Family.A YouGov opinion poll of more than 2,000 adults in Britain ahead of the first anniversary of Queen Elizabeth's death suggested a sharp generational divide in attitudes towards the Royal Family.
Overall, 62% wanted to keep the monarchy, with 26% backing an elected head of state. Overall, 62% wanted to keep the monarchy, with 26% backing an elected head of state - up from 17% a decade earlier.
But while 80% of the over-65s supported the monarchy, only 37% of 18 to 24-year-olds agreed.But while 80% of the over-65s supported the monarchy, only 37% of 18 to 24-year-olds agreed.
Similarly, 75% of the over-65s believed the Royal Family was good value for money, but only 34% of 18 to 24-year-olds felt the same.Similarly, 75% of the over-65s believed the Royal Family was good value for money, but only 34% of 18 to 24-year-olds felt the same.
In terms of King Charles's performance, 59% thought he was "personally doing a good job". Asked about King Charles, 59% thought he was "personally doing a good job".
A decade earlier, the same survey found 17% wanted an elected head of state. There was also less support for the royals in Scotland or Wales than in England, where London had higher levels of people against the monarchy than anywhere else in the country.
There was also less support for the royals in Scotland or Wales than in England, where London has higher levels of people against the monarchy than elsewhere else in the country.
How popular is the monarchy under King Charles?How popular is the monarchy under King Charles?
Does Scotland want its kilted king?Does Scotland want its kilted king?
Where do the Royal Family live?Where do the Royal Family live?
The King and Queen's official residence, Buckingham Palace, is undergoing a 10-year £369m refurbishment, so they continue to split their time between Clarence House in London and Highgrove in Gloucestershire.The King and Queen's official residence, Buckingham Palace, is undergoing a 10-year £369m refurbishment, so they continue to split their time between Clarence House in London and Highgrove in Gloucestershire.
Other Royal residences include Windsor Castle, Sandringham, in Norfolk, the Palace of Holyroodhouse, in Edinburgh, and Balmoral Castle, in Aberdeenshire.Other Royal residences include Windsor Castle, Sandringham, in Norfolk, the Palace of Holyroodhouse, in Edinburgh, and Balmoral Castle, in Aberdeenshire.
In August 2022, the Prince and Princess of Wales moved from Kensington Palace in west London to live in Adelaide Cottage, on the Windsor Estate.In August 2022, the Prince and Princess of Wales moved from Kensington Palace in west London to live in Adelaide Cottage, on the Windsor Estate.
The Prince and Princess of Wales with their children on their first day at Lambrook School in BerkshireThe Prince and Princess of Wales with their children on their first day at Lambrook School in Berkshire
Read the latest from our royal correspondent Sean Coughlan - sign up here.Read the latest from our royal correspondent Sean Coughlan - sign up here.
Related TopicsRelated Topics
Prince Andrew, Duke of YorkPrince Andrew, Duke of York
Prince LouisPrince Louis
UK Royal FamilyUK Royal Family
Coronation of King Charles IIICoronation of King Charles III
Prince GeorgePrince George
Meghan, Duchess of SussexMeghan, Duchess of Sussex
Queen CamillaQueen Camilla
Prince Harry, Duke of SussexPrince Harry, Duke of Sussex
UK ParliamentUK Parliament
Prince William, Prince of WalesPrince William, Prince of Wales
King Charles IIIKing Charles III
Princess CharlottePrincess Charlotte
Catherine, Princess of WalesCatherine, Princess of Wales