Along with Prince Albert of Monaco, Liechtenstein’s Prince Hans-Adam II is one of the last remaining monarchs in Europe to have actual political power. Thanks to a new monarch-friendly constitution, he retains the power to veto laws and to appoint judges.

Absolute monarchy – a form of government where a single ruler, usually called a king or queen, has complete control over all parts of the government. His/her power is not limited by a constitution or by the law. In an absolute monarchy, the transmission of power is hereditary.

King Mswati III changed the name of his tiny country from Swaziland to eSwatini to celebrate the 50th anniversary of independence.

Still, despite a couple centuries of toppling kings, there are 44 monarchies in the world today. 13 are in Asia, 12 are in Europe, 10 are in North America, 6 are in Oceania, and 3 are in Africa. There are no monarchies in South America.

In reality, there are 26 monarchies in the world, a fascinating network of kings, queens, sultans, emperors and emirs who rule or reign over 43 countries in all.

Queen Elizabeth II is one of the most famous and admired people on Earth. As the nominal leader of the United Kingdom since 1952—making her the country’s longest-serving monarch—her influence is felt the world over. But despite that enormous influence, the Queen holds no real power in British government.

As the one who makes the request, the Queen doesn’t need a passport of her own. The Royal Family’s website states it is “unnecessary” for the Queen to have one. Other members of The Firm don’t have the same privilege, however, as both Prince Charles and Prince Philip have passports.

As the sovereign head of state, the queen is also the head of the Armed Forces, which gives her the power to declare war and sign treaties. But like her other reserve powers, she exclusively acts under the advice of government ministers, including the prime minister.

The Queen has the power to appoint Lords, who can then sit in Parliament, the upper house in Britain’s legislative system. Like many other powers, this is exercised only “on the advice of” elected government ministers. She can create lords.

Kate has no royal blood, so will be Queen consort. This means that Kate will also actually be crowned, just in a smaller ceremony when compared to William’s.

Queen Elizabeth II is the Queen because she was the oldest child of the previous monarch (King George VI), and she had no brothers. That made her the heir to the throne after her father. Queen Elizabeth II ascended the throne after her father King George VI.

It appears that some of the reasons why England still has a queen is because Queen Elizabeth II and her family are beloved by many and that the royal family is an economic powerhouse. She certainly doesn’t rule with an iron first like her distant ancestors, but the queen definitely isn’t worthless.

Synopsis. In the last millennium, there have been only six female sovereigns: Mary I and Elizabeth I, Mary II and Anne, Victoria and Elizabeth II, who celebrated her eightieth birthday in 2006. With the exception of Mary I, they are among our most successful monarchs.

Queen Elizabeth II is the current monarch, having reigned for nearly seven decades. Her husband, Prince Philip, who died this morning at 99, was steadily by her side through the years, but he was not in line to succeed her.