ROYAL PREROGATIVE IN THE UNITED KINGDOM Meaning and
Definition
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The royal prerogative in the United Kingdom refers to the special powers and privileges that are constitutionally held by the monarch, by virtue of their status as the head of state. These powers are exercised on behalf of the crown, but are usually exercised by the monarch on the advice of the government or their ministers.
The royal prerogative encompasses a wide range of powers and rights, including the ability to appoint and dismiss government ministers, grant honours and titles, issue passports and declare war or make peace. It also covers the power to dissolve Parliament and call for a general election, as well as the authority to grant pardons and to commute or reduce sentences.
Although many of these prerogatives were exercised by the monarch directly in the past, nowadays most of them are exercised on behalf of the crown by government officials or ministers. However, in certain circumstances, the monarch's personal involvement may still be required, such as in the granting of royal assent to legislation.
The exercise of the royal prerogative is subject to legal limits and parliamentary oversight. Several prerogatives now require the authorization of Parliament, and some have been limited by statutes or legal judgments. In recent years, there has been a debate about the extent of the royal prerogative and whether it should be further curtailed or codified into law.
