UK Royal Family: What does the King do?
Prince Charles, now known as King Charles III, was crowned earlier this year alongside his wife, Queen Camilla.
On November 7, he is delivering his first King's Speech at the State Opening of Parliament since becoming the monarch. So, what exactly are the King's roles and responsibilities?
As the UK head of state, the King's powers are largely symbolic and ceremonial, and he remains politically neutral. He receives daily government dispatches in a red leather box, attends private meetings with the Prime Minister (usually on Wednesdays at Buckingham Palace), and fulfills official parliamentary roles, such as appointing a government, delivering the State Opening and the King's Speech, and granting Royal Assent to legislation.
The King also hosts visiting heads of state, undertakes state visits (like his trips to Germany and France), and serves as the head of the Commonwealth, which includes 56 independent countries.
Financing the Royal Family involves the Sovereign Grant, funded by taxpayers and based on a portion of the Crown Estate's profits, along with income from private estates like the Duchy of Lancaster and the Duchy of Cornwall. Some members of the Royal Family have private collections they can use for income.
King Charles's coronation involved anointment with holy oil and a grand procession through London, featuring thousands of armed forces members and a concert at Windsor Castle.
In Scotland, he received the Scottish crown jewels, known as the Honours of Scotland, in a special service at St Giles' Cathedral, Edinburgh.
The Royal Family also includes Prince William, the Princess Royal (Princess Anne), the Duke of Edinburgh (Prince Edward), the Duke of York (Prince Andrew), and the Duke of Sussex (Prince Harry), each with their own roles and responsibilities.
The order of succession places the monarch's eldest child first, following changes in succession rules in 2013. Prince Charles's heir is his elder son, Prince William.
Public opinion about the monarchy varies across generations, with 62% supporting the monarchy overall. There's also geographic variance, with lower support in Scotland and Wales compared to England.
Royal residences include Buckingham Palace, Clarence House, Windsor Castle, Sandringham, the Palace of Holyroodhouse, and Balmoral Castle. The Prince and Princess of Wales recently moved to Adelaide Cottage on the Windsor Estate.
As the UK head of state, the King's powers are largely symbolic and ceremonial, and he remains politically neutral. He receives daily government dispatches in a red leather box, attends private meetings with the Prime Minister (usually on Wednesdays at Buckingham Palace), and fulfills official parliamentary roles, such as appointing a government, delivering the State Opening and the King's Speech, and granting Royal Assent to legislation.
The King also hosts visiting heads of state, undertakes state visits (like his trips to Germany and France), and serves as the head of the Commonwealth, which includes 56 independent countries.
Financing the Royal Family involves the Sovereign Grant, funded by taxpayers and based on a portion of the Crown Estate's profits, along with income from private estates like the Duchy of Lancaster and the Duchy of Cornwall. Some members of the Royal Family have private collections they can use for income.
King Charles's coronation involved anointment with holy oil and a grand procession through London, featuring thousands of armed forces members and a concert at Windsor Castle.
In Scotland, he received the Scottish crown jewels, known as the Honours of Scotland, in a special service at St Giles' Cathedral, Edinburgh.
The Royal Family also includes Prince William, the Princess Royal (Princess Anne), the Duke of Edinburgh (Prince Edward), the Duke of York (Prince Andrew), and the Duke of Sussex (Prince Harry), each with their own roles and responsibilities.
The order of succession places the monarch's eldest child first, following changes in succession rules in 2013. Prince Charles's heir is his elder son, Prince William.
Public opinion about the monarchy varies across generations, with 62% supporting the monarchy overall. There's also geographic variance, with lower support in Scotland and Wales compared to England.
Royal residences include Buckingham Palace, Clarence House, Windsor Castle, Sandringham, the Palace of Holyroodhouse, and Balmoral Castle. The Prince and Princess of Wales recently moved to Adelaide Cottage on the Windsor Estate.
