Isle of Wight Literary Festival: Julian Francis Godolphin

Julian Francis Godolphin explains the real power of the monarchy, which is more than a mere ornament of the constitution. The Kin is the repository of a unique set of power that enable him to be the defender of our constitutional authority. The mere threat of action by the King is often all that is needed to ensure the smooth running of the political machine. The King has powers to appoint and dismiss a Prime Minister, grant a dissolution of Parliament and refuse assent to legislation. Julian highlights how past monarchs have ensured the smooth running of the state and avoided constitutional crisis in this country and other Commonwealth realms in their role as the guardian of our constitutional system. These are the King’s prerogative powers, and this is their story.