Monarchy Profile: Andorra

Name: The Principality of Andorra
Reigning Monarch: Co-Prince Joan-Enric Vives i Sicilia, Bishop of Urgell and Co-Prince Francois Hollande, President of the French Republic
Reigning Family: None
Status: Perhaps the most unique of the remaining monarchies of the world the Principality of Andorra, long ruled jointly by the Kings of France and the Bishops of Urgell in Spain, has a history stretching back to the 9th Century. Tradition says that their first charter was granted to them by the Emperor Charlemagne with the land being ruled by the Count of Urgell. Centuries later the descendants of the count gave the lands to the Catholic diocese of Urgell but the Bishops had to make alliance with more powerful feudal lords to defend Andorra; first the Caboet then the House of Foix until the system was formally established for a co-principality held jointly by the Bishop of Urgell and the Count of Foix. The Foix claim passed to the viscounts of Béarn and then to the French royal house of Bourbon under King Henri IV. Since 1607 the King of France (and later the Presidents of the French Republic) and the Bishops of Urgell have been co-Princes of Andorra. It was not until 1993 that Andorra adopted its first written constitution in order to join the European Union. The government is a parliamentary democracy, the Prime Minister is head of government and the positions of the co-Princes of Andorra are effectively honorary ones with executive power resting in the Prime Minister. Neither co-prince lives in the country and their ceremonial duties are carried out by local representatives.

Monarchy Profile: Bahrain

Name: The Kingdom of Bahrain
Reigning Monarch: His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa
Reigning Family: Al Khalifa dynasty
Status: Bahrain is a constitutional monarchy that has been ruled by the Al Khalifa family since 1783. There was a period of Persian rule and colonial ties with Portugal prior to Bahrain becoming a protectorate of the British Empire until 1971. Originally the monarch was simply referred to as “ruler” and later Bahrain became an emirate until 2001 when a constitution was adopted and the emir was elevated to the status of King of Bahrain. Prior to this Bahrain had been a fairly typical Islamic absolute monarchy but the new constitution reestablished the National Assembly, provided for greater democracy (women being given the vote) and allowed women to run for political office. However, princes still occupy most high government offices. Some 80% of cabinet members are princes and while the lower house of the legislature is elected the upper house is entirely appointed by the King. Islam is the official religion and the constitution guarantees freedom of religion though in practice some limitations exist. The King must ratify all bills to make them law. Officially there are no political parties in Bahrain but the “political societies” amount to the same thing.

Monarchy Profile: Belgium

Name: The Kingdom of Belgium
Reigning Monarch: His Majesty Philippe, King of the Belgians
Reigning Family: House of Saxe-Coburg-Gotha
Status: Belgium is a constitutional monarchy based on the idea of ‘popular monarchy’ that was fashionable at the time of its foundation. The power of the monarch has always been very limited but the early kings played a very active role in government, especially foreign policy and succeeded in making sure Belgium not only survived but prospered and even joined the club of colonial powers. The role of the monarch became more important when Belgium was officially divided between Dutch-speaking Flanders and Francophone Wallonia. As a result of this the king has been forced to play a greater role as mediator between the two factions in the formation of governments. It also placed a greater importance on the role of the king as the guardian of the unity and independence of the country. Royal assent is required for bills to become law but on the one occasion this was tested the result was the king was removed for a day and the law passed without him, effectively rendering the requirement for royal assent purely symbolic as in many other countries. Unlike every other monarchy in Europe the King of the Belgians does not legally become king immediately upon the death of his predecessor but only officially upon taking the constitutional oath (though he is referred to as king beforehand).

Monarchy Profile: Bhutan

Name: The Kingdom of Bhutan
Reigning Monarch: His Majesty King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck
Reigning Family: Wangchuck Dynasty
Status: The Himalayan Kingdom of Bhutan, “land of the thunder dragon” was previously a Tibetan Buddhist theocracy with a sort of dual-government until 1907 when Ugyen Wangchuck was chosen by the noble and religious leaders as “Dragon King”. Britain recognized their new monarchy and in 1910 established a treaty with Bhutan, effectively making them a British protectorate. Bhutan was originally an absolute monarchy but with very strong religious ties as the country is devoutly Buddhist. For many years Bhutan was happily isolated from the rest of the world, carrying on their traditions and living as they had always lived. However, King Jigme Singye Wangchuck began giving up his political powers as king and started the process of transitioning Bhutan from an absolute to a constitutional monarchy despite the lack of any public outcry for such a change. Most administrative power went to the national assembly, including the right to impeach the king with a 2/3 majority vote. The first political parties were formed and in 2008 the first elections in Bhutanese history were held. The country has also been opening up dramatically to the outside world allowing in foreign entertainment, foreign fashions, foreign thinking and more foreigners themselves with increasing tourism. Candidates for the Council of Ministers are chosen by the King but must be elected by the National Assembly.

Monarchy Profile: Brunei

Name: The State of Brunei, Abode of Peace
Reigning Monarch: His Majesty Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah Mu’izzaddin Waddaulah
Reigning Family: House of Bolkiah
Status: Brunei is an Islamic absolute monarchy on the island of Borneo. The line of sultans goes back to 1405 and the Sultan of Brunei today is one of the wealthiest men in the world and certainly the most powerful man in his country. The Sultan of Brunei holds total executive power as both the head of state and acts as his own prime minister. Since 1962 he has also held emergency powers and the offices of minister of defense and finance. In March of 2006 the Sultan enacted a constitutional amendment to make himself legally infallible. Since 1991 the prevailing ideology has been known as ‘Malay Islamic Monarchy’ which stresses the role of the Sultan as ‘defender of the faith’ which is, in Brunei, Sunni Islam. Brunei was once a fairly extensive empire but lost power to Sarawak and until 1984 was a protectorate of the British Empire. Strong ties still remain between Brunei and the United Kingdom. The British had helped put down a rebellion in 1962 connected to the refusal of Brunei to join the Malaysian Federation. The great wealth of the Sultan comes from the oil wealth of the country and his palace is the largest residence in the world. The monarchy is revered and respected. There are parties but no elections.

Monarchy Profile: Cambodia

Name: The Kingdom of Cambodia
Reigning Monarch: His Majesty King Norodom Sihamoni
Reigning Family: House of Norodom
Status: Cambodia is a constitutional monarchy though the same party and prime minister have held actual political power through every “election” since the monarchy was restored in 1993. In the past Cambodian kings held absolute power but this changed during the colonial period when Cambodia was part of the Union of Indochina within the French colonial empire. Cambodia gained independence from France in 1953 and, unlike neighboring Laos or Vietnam, her monarchy managed to survive. Kings were held to be sacred and semi-divine in Cambodian history but today the King is a ceremonial figurehead of state with no political power. The King acts as a symbol of unity and goodwill while the regime in power controls the government. “Great King” Norodom Sihanouk, however, was able to prove that royal influence remains considerable due to the great popularity of the Cambodian monarchs. The King in Cambodia is treated with seriousness and respect by the government, is widely revered among the public, especially the rural people, and devoted his time to representing his country abroad and helping the Cambodian people with their problems on an individual basis.

Monarchy Profile: Denmark

Name: The Kingdom of Denmark
Reigning Monarch: Her Majesty Queen Margrethe II
Reigning Family: House of Schleswig-Holstein-Sonderburg-Glücksburg
Status: The Kingdom of Denmark is the oldest monarchy in Europe with the royal family tracing its ancestry as far back as a thousand years. Despite periods of absolute monarchy, Denmark has long been a constitutional monarchy though in times past the role of the King was far more central. King Christian IX was the last Danish monarch to really be active in politics and use his powers and influence extensively. After his death in 1906 Denmark took a decidedly more liberal course. According to the constitution the person of the monarch is sacrosanct and the government is responsible for all of his or her actions. The Queen appoints and dismisses ministers (based on the democratic process) and royal assent is required for bills to become law. The monarch is expected to stay out of politics and the theoretical powers of the Crown are effectively held by the prime minister. The Danish monarch also reigns over Greenland and the Faroe Islands.

Monarchy Profile: Japan

Name: The State of Japan
Reigning Monarch: His Imperial Majesty Emperor Akihito
Reigning Family: Yamato dynasty
Status: Japan has been a constitutional monarchy since the time of the “Meiji Restoration” but a new constitution was adopted after World War II and the transition of the country from the ‘Empire of Japan’ to the ‘State of Japan’. The Emperor has no political power or real role in government. It is even debatable whether he is the actual Head of State of Japan though he certainly fills that role. According to the constitution, the Emperor is the “symbol of the state and the unity of the people”. He is specifically denied the title of “sovereign” as in the new constitution popular sovereignty was adopted. He appoints the prime minister but has no choice in who is appointed nor can he refuse to appoint the designated individual. However, the Emperor is still a central figure in the native Shinto religion, still held by some to be a descendent of divine figures and the living embodiment of the Japanese nation. In general the Emperor and Imperial Family in Japan are spoken of only in formal and respectful tones and debate about the monarchy can still excite deep passions amongst the Japanese people. The imperial monarchy of Japan is the oldest hereditary succession in the world, dating back to traceless antiquity and most could not imagine Japan without an Emperor. His presence, regardless of actual authority, has been an anchor of stability in radically changing times.

Monarchy Profile: Jordan

Name: The Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan
Reigning Monarch: His Majesty King Abdullah II
Reigning Family: Bani Hashem (Hashemite dynasty)
Status: The Jordanian royal house can trace their ancestry all the way back to the Prophet Mohammed. Modern day Jordan originated in the Emirate of Transjordan in 1921 following the partition of what had been the Ottoman Empire after World War I. A British protectorate, greater independence was granted in 1923 with full independence coming after World War II. In 1949 the Emirate of Transjordan became the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan. Jordan is a constitutional monarchy but one in which the king holds considerable power. There is representative democracy in Jordan and certain rights reserved to the houses of deputies and notables, however, the King appoints all judges, all local governors and his approval is required for legal amendments. The royal veto can be overridden by a two-thirds vote of both houses of the National Assembly. He appoints the prime minister and on his recommendation other government ministers. Political parties were only allowed in 1992 and for the most part, prior to that time, the King ruled as he saw fit (that being King Hussein, a quite beloved figure in Jordan). In 1997 Islamic fundamentalist groups boycotted elections because of the policies of the Jordanian government, generally viewed as the most moderate and tolerant in the region.

Monarchy Profile: Kuwait

Name: The State of Kuwait
Reigning Monarch: His Highness Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmed Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, Emir of Kuwait Reigning Family: Al-Sabah dynasty
Status: The Al-Sabah family have ruled the area that is Kuwait since 1756. From 1899 to 1961 Kuwait was a protectorate of the British Empire. Kuwait is a constitutional monarchy (an emirate) with the oldest directly elected parliament in the Persian Gulf region. However, the Emir of Kuwait has extensive powers and is effectively an absolute monarch. He appoints the prime minister and government officials, he can dissolve the National Assembly and in times deemed necessary can dispense with the elected government altogether and rule in his own right. According to the constitution the Emir is sacrosanct and opposition or disrespect toward him is not tolerated. The National Assembly must approve heirs to the throne and there have been clashes between the Assembly and the Emir over the extent of their powers in a number of areas. Political organizations are illegal but effectively parties do exist. In 1990 the Emir was deposed by invading Iraqi Republican forces but was later restored by an international coalition. Politics in Kuwait have been more highly scrutinized since that time.

Monarchy Profile: Lesotho

Name: The Kingdom of Lesotho
Reigning Monarch: His Majesty King Letsie III
Reigning Family: House of Seeiso
Status: The country of Lesotho was founded as a result of the many African tribes driven off their lands by the victorious campaigns of King Shaka of the Zulus. A group finding refuge on the Qiloane plateau and led by their chief Moshoeshoe became what is now Lesotho. A British protectorate for over a hundred years at times there was a danger of Lesotho being absorbed by South Africa which totally surrounds it. However, in 1966 Lesotho became a completely independent kingdom and a constitutional monarchy with their paramount chief becoming King Moshoeshoe II. Originally the monarch had considerable powers but despite being widely popular amongst the people the King was opposed by many elites and had a very troubled reign. In 1990 the King was deposed again and replaced by his son Letsie III. The first elections were held in 1993 but by 1995 Moeshoeshoe II was back on the throne only to die in a car crash less than a year later. King Letsie III has determined to be a strictly constitutional monarch and has refrained from intervening in politics even when the public have demanded it.

Monarchy Profile: Liechtenstein

Name: The Principality of Liechtenstein
Reigning Monarch: His Serene Highness Prince Hans-Adam II
Reigning Family: House of Liechtenstein
Status: One of the oldest polities and ruling houses in Europe Liechtenstein was formerly part of the Holy Roman Empire as an Imperial Principality, then a member of the Confederation of the Rhine and then the German Confederation before becoming totally independent in 1866 under Prince Johan II. Originally an absolute monarchy, Liechtenstein adopted its first constitution in 1921 though according to that constitution the Prince retained considerable powers and a central role in government. The Prince could veto bills, call referendums, propose bills and dissolve parliament. To the consternation of many in Europe in 2003 a national referendum endorsed a new constitution which was widely seen as increasing the already considerable powers of the monarch with the Prince threatening to abdicate if the new constitution was not passed. The Prince retained the power to veto any bill, could dissolve the government at any time and dismiss any minister. The monarchy is extremely popular in Liechtenstein and, rather like the Principality of Monaco, although technically a constitutional monarchy, Liechtenstein is effectively an absolute monarchy in all but name.

Monarchy Profile: Luxembourg

Name: The Grand Duchy of Luxembourg
Reigning Monarch: His Royal Highness Grand Duke Henri
Reigning Family: House of Luxembourg-Nassau
Status: Although Luxembourg has a very long history the current monarchy and grand ducal line date from 1890 when King Willem III of the Netherlands died with no male heir at which time Luxembourg (Salic law being in effect) separated from the Netherlands and the throne passed to Duke Adolf of Nassau. Luxembourg is a constitutional monarchy and according to the constitution, “The Grand Duke is the head of state, symbol of its unity and guarantor of national independence. He exercises executive power in accordance with the Constitution and the laws of the country”. The monarch had an active role in government but that began to change with Grand Duchess Marie-Adélaïde whose involvement made her the subject of many unfair criticisms and finally forced her to abdicate and retire to a convent. A new constitution was adopted and the public affirmed their wish to remain a monarchy. Since then monarchs have remained outside of politics though the assent of the Grand Duke (or Duchess) was still required to make bills law. However, in 2008 Grand Duke Henri announced that his conscience would not allow him to sign a bill into law legalizing euthanasia. At that point the constitution was amended so as to remove the Grand Duke completely from the legislative process.

Monarchy Profile: Malaysia

Name: The Kingdom of Malaysia
Reigning Monarch: His Majesty Sultan Muhammad V of Kelantan, Yang di-Pertuan Agong of Malaysia
Reigning Family: electoral office
Status: Malaysia is a federal constitutional monarchy which consists of 13 states and 3 federal territories. The King or Agong (head) is elected from among the sultans of the 9 Malay states known as the Majlis Raja-Raja or Conference of Rulers and the governors of the four other states. Only the nine sultans may vote and only one of their own can be chosen for the position of head of state. At the same meeting a deputy king is also chosen. Although the office is an electoral one, in effect it works on a system of rotation with each sultan being elected in turn. The term for each king is five years. The King is a constitutional monarch who acts in most areas on the advice of his ministers though he does have some discretionary powers. Formerly part of the British Empire the elected government follows the Westminster parliamentary model to a large extent. Despite being legally limited in their powers the state monarchs have considerable influence in the religious and political spheres. Malaysia is a member of the British Commonwealth and retains many British imperial traditions such as the Trooping of the Colour. Soldiers from Malaysia have also taken their turn standing guard at Buckingham Palace in London.

Monarchy Profile: Monaco

Name: The Principality of Monaco
Reigning Monarch: His Serene Highness Prince Albert II
Reigning Family: House of Grimaldi
Status: The Grimaldi family have ruled Monaco for 700 years, since 1297. In 1612 the ruler of Monaco officially became a prince during the reign of Honore II when Monaco also began its long history as a protectorate of France. Monaco was an absolute monarchy until 1911 when Prince Albert I enacted the first constitution. However, only a few years later the constitution was suspended during World War I. Prince Louis II, son of Albert I, suspended it during World War II and his grandson and successor Prince Rainier III suspended the constitution in 1959 during which some significant changes were made to it and enacted in 1962. The Prince shares legislative power with the National Council and the Minister of State is head of government. However, bills do not require the consent of the Prince to become law but he can stop any bill should he wish. Though the judiciary is independent the justices are appointed by the Prince and serve at his pleasure. Both the National Council and the Prince must agree to pass legislation but the Prince may dissolve the council at any time. Although it is not the image Monaco wishes to display these days the country is, in fact if not in name, effectively still an absolute monarchy.

Monarchy Profile: Morocco

Name: The Kingdom of Morocco
Reigning Monarch: His Majesty King Muhammad VI
Reigning Family: Alaouite dynasty
Status: Morocco gained independence from France in 1956 and is a constitutional monarchy. Theoretically the King holds extensive civil and religious powers including the right to dismiss any government minister, dissolve the parliament, suspend the constitution and rule by decree the last time any of these powers were actually used by the monarch was in 1965. Morocco is a multi-party parliamentary democracy which, in 1998, was even led by a socialist in a coalition government. Recent monarchs and the current king in particular have enacted unprecedented changes in allowing more democracy, greater civil rights and the extension of these rights to women. The King appoints the prime minister but, like other constitutional monarchies, only after the democratic process has taken place and he appoints ministers on the advice of his prime minister. Opposition groups still claim that the King has too much influence in the government though all agree that civil rights have consistently increased in recent years. Religious freedom is allowed though laws remain in place against proselytizing and Muslims may not renounce their faith. The Prime Minister is head of government and the judiciary is independent.

Monarchy Profile: The Netherlands

Name: The Kingdom of the Netherlands
Reigning Monarch: His Majesty King Willem-Alexander
Reigning Family: House of Orange-Nassau
Status: Upon gaining independence the Netherlands was a princely republic under the House of Orange though a pro-monarchy faction (or Orange Party) existed from early on. The current Kingdom was established after the defeat of France in the Napoleonic Wars in 1815. Originally the Dutch monarchs held considerable and extensive powers, being effectively an absolute monarchy with the States-General having only an advisory role. When revolutions broke out in other countries King Willem II tried to prevent such an occurrence in the Netherlands by willingly giving up much of his power and making the country a constitutional monarchy. More liberal changes came later and during the reign of Willem III there were many clashes between the monarchy and the elected government. His death and the regency in place during the minority of Queen Wilhelmina was used as a way for the political class to take almost all power from the monarch. Queen Wilhelmina tried to reverse this, and was partially successful due to her own strength of personality, but the overall authority of the monarchy has only declined. The monarch signs bills into law but by convention no longer proposes legislation or takes any role in the legislative process. The government is responsible for all laws and advice.

Monarchy Profile: Norway

Name: The Kingdom of Norway
Reigning Monarch: His Majesty King Harald V
Reigning Family: House of Glücksburg
Status: Although the current form of the Kingdom of Norway came about in 1905 after the dissolution of the union with Sweden, the royal traditions of Norway are thousands of years old. Once a land of numerous small Norse kingdoms, Norway was united but spent much of the last few centuries united with either Sweden or Denmark. Norway is a constitutional monarchy with the monarch holding considerable powers on paper. Effectively, however, these powers are exercised by the Council of State in the name of the monarch. The reserve powers of the Crown are maintained as a security failsafe but the monarch today is effectively ceremonial. The monarch ratifies laws, dispatches and receives envoys and serves as a symbol of national unity. The King has sovereign immunity and the Council of State is responsible for his actions with other members of the royal family answerable only to the King. The King has the power to veto bills to prevent them becoming law but his veto can be overridden and in any event no modern King of Norway has ever tried to veto a bill. As with most European monarchies his powers are exercised exclusively by members of the sitting government.

Monarchy Profile: Oman

Name: The Sultanate of Oman
Reigning Monarch: His Majesty Sultan Quaboos bin Said Al Said
Reigning Family: Abu Sa’id dynasty
Status: Once partly held by the Portuguese and later part of the British sphere of influence, Oman was once a powerful state that dominated the southern Arabian peninsula and parts of eastern Africa. In recent years rebellions, internal strife and communist subversion have been problematic. Oman is an Islamic absolute monarchy with key decisions made by the Sultan and his appointed cabinet. In the 1990’s an electoral advisory council was established though universal suffrage was only established in 2003. Today women can vote and hold public office. Political parties are banned and all elected officials have only advisory and consultative powers with the Sultan holding final authority over the legislative and judicial process. Rather than being strictly hereditary, new monarchs are chosen by the agreement of the royal family after the death of the previous sultan.

Monarchy Profile: Qatar

Name: The State of Qatar
Reigning Monarch: His Highness Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, Emir of Qatar
Reigning Family: Al Thani dynasty
Status: The small Gulf State of Qatar is ruled by a family descended from the Tamim tribe originally from the interior of the Arabian peninsula. Previously a protectorate of the British Empire the State of Qatar became independent in 1971 when extensive mineral wealth was discovered in the country. Qatar is an absolute monarchy and the emir is the chief of state and head of government. There is Islamic and civil law codes with Islamic law usually prevailing. However, Qatar has modernized a great deal recently with press censorship being reduced recently. Commercial ties are maintained with Israel and Iran and women in Qatar are able to vote and hold public office since 2003. The reigning family is extremely wealthy and Qatar is known for having the population with the highest per capita income in the world. Only municipal officials are elected, the national assembly is appointed and political parties are banned.