What Is the Monarchy For?

Laura Clancy is a lecturer in media in the sociology department, Lancaster University. Her research focuses on issues of inequality, particularly 'the elites' and the monarchy. She is the author of “Running the Family Firm: How the monarchy manages its image and our money” (Manchester University Press, 2021) and is a frequent media commentator on the royals.

Introduction





Part I: Real Power?


1. Stability and continuity?


2. Ensuring democratic legitimacy?





Part II: Soft Power?


3. The great unifier?


4. The ultimate celebrities?


5. Public servants?





Part III: Hidden Power


6. Post-colonial?


7. Custodians of the land?


8. Twent-first century feminists?





Part IV: What Next?


Conclusion: Alternative futures