The New Monarchy of Europe

490 years! That is the number of years between Henry VIII and Prince William, Duke of Cambridge.

Throughout the 490 years the job of the monarchy has changed dramatically. Back in 1491 the European Monarchy dealt with a large part of worldly affairs. While European Monarchy is still a large public figure, the responsibilities  have decreased over the years.Henry VIII was very much involved the Government of his kingdom. Henry had an extreme amount of power in his kingdom and although there was Government it clearly did not get I the way of his rulings. Henry eventually became the Holy Roman Empire to. Also king Henry VIII had the power to decide what religion his country would be. This was important during the Protestant reformation and later when ties were broken off between England and the roman church.  This is something that lacks in modern day royalty. Today the Monarchy has more of an impact on pop culture and fashion than Government and religion. Henry VIII ran an absolute Monarchy unlike Queen Elizabeth who runs a constitutional Monarchy. 

 

Today it is not uncommon to find the Monarchy in front of an entertainment news magazine or in the pop culture news channel  for their  latest appearances. Whenever Katherine sets out in a new dress or wearing a new designer it seems common the outfit sells out in a matter of minutes. William and Kate are always being followed by paparazzi and anything that has the back of the couple seems to be a huge success. It seems today that the life of a monarch is more of a fairy tail than responsibility. However both William, Kate and the rest of the royal family take on royal duties such as appearances and charity's. Although the monarchy may have change there are still many traditions that remain today.

The monarchy in its self is a tradition that has not yet to be broken. The British monarchy has maintained a hereditary monarchy since Henry VIII. Although there isn't a direct line between Prince Will and Henry VIII there is a relation. Another Tradition that has also continue is, the first born child of an heir, who will eventually take the thrown. Ceremony's and political events have stayed constant since the beginning of British monarchy. It seems however with the modern monarchy that more change is in the way when Prince William takes the crown.