Japan’s Crown Prince Naruhito and Crown Princess Masako at their residence Togu Palace in Tokyo, Feb. 17, 2019.
Imperial Household Agency of Japan/Handout via Reuters
Japan’s 86-year-old Emperor Akihito abdicates on April 30 — an exceedingly rare event for this ancient monarchy. Can his son, Prince Naruhito, give Japan’s royal family a modern makeover?
As prime minister, republican Malcolm Turnbull said there would be no more moves towards an Australian head of state while Queen Elizabeth remained on the throne.
AAP/Ward/WENN.com
Bill Shorten is committed to an Australian head of state, but it will likely take lost priority to constitutional recognition of Indigenous Australians.
Australia’s head of state Queen Elizabeth is aged 92. Source: Treasury.
Labor says if it wins office at the upcoming federal election, in its first term it will offer Australians a chance to vote to become a republic – but in a two-step voting process.
British Library/Wikimedia Commons.
From cannibalism to carbolic smoke balls, these are some of the fascinating cases that have made the law of England and Wales what it is today.
EPA-EFE/Ciro Fusco
Duke and Duchess of Sussex were among the few ‘safe’ titles they could give Harry and Meghan.
Malcolm and Lucy Turnbull met Prince Harry and his fiancee Meghan Markle in London in April.
AAP/Ella Pellegrini
When considering this question, we need to distinguish between the pomposities of monarchies and the purpose they serve as checks on untrammelled authoritarianism.
Charlemagne, the decider.
British Library
Monarchs and prime ministers have spent centuries working out which decisions need to be made in public.
Australia’s Constitution vests executive power in the Queen and says that that power is exercised ‘on her behalf’ by the governor-general.
AAP/Alan Porritt
Many of the questions that would arise if Australia wants to become a republic have been successfully tackled elsewhere.
Britain’s Prince Harry poses with Meghan Markle in the Sunken Garden of Kensington Palace on Nov. 27, 2017.
Toby Melville/Reuters
Much of the Harry and Meghan coverage has ignored the royal family’s complicated history with race and “blood” and its insistence on continuing outdated traditions.
Prince Harry is to marry Meghan Markle in May 2018.
Dominic Lipinski/PA Wire
Two tourism experts assess the evidence on whether visitors are drawn to the UK by the monarchy.
Holly Hayes/Flickr
A forensic dig into early British history means we can finally understand the heroes and stories that created a composite king.
Sky Atlantic/©2017 Home Box Office, Inc
All men must die, so the young women have grown up to take control.
Sky Atlantic
They are too well-behaved on Westeros – real-life queens often resorted to tears, temper tantrums and toilet humour.
Bill Shorten will seek to elevate the issue of a republic by pledging.
a policy for quick action.
Julian Smith/AAP
Bill Shorten’s policy for quick action on a republic contrasts with Malcolm Turnbull’s position.
The Sun King (seated) could decide someone’s fate with a nod of the head.
Wikimedia Commons
At the Versailles court, a well-directed glance could decide a person’s fate. Imagine if Donald Trump were so subtle.
Then one simply drops it.
PA/ Steve Parsons
It turned out to be a fairly minor announcement, but the palace knows how to work the news cycle.
British Prime Minister Theresa May called on Tuesday for an early election.
REUTERS/Toby Melville
Wondering how the U.K. government can just decide to dissolve itself and call for a general election? As our expert explains, it’s not uncommon.
Netflix
Netflix’s most ambitious and expensive original drama is historical fiction at its most lavish.
Will Maha Vajiralongkorn, right, son of late King Bhumibol (left) be able to bear his constitutional duties?
Manhhai/Reuters
Will the next King of Thailand be able to bear his constitutional duties?
Thailand’s late king chose his son, Crown Prince Maha Vajiralongkorn, to succeed him.
Reuters/Athit Perawongmetha
The heir to Thailand’s throne, Maha Vajiralongkorn, enters his reign with no authority other than that of the office he now holds.