Viceregalism

The Crown as Head of State in Political Crises in the Postwar Commonwealth, Cambridge Imperial and Post-Colonial Studies

‘Viceregalism is a powerful contribution towards understanding the constitutions both of Britain and the countries of the Commonwealth, a remarkable if under-studied trans-national institution. The book brings together an impressive range of scholars who have produced essays of very high quality, essays which are both impressive and readable.’ Vernon Bogdanor, Professor of Government, King’s College London ‘This excellent collection of essays by leading contemporary historians sheds important new light on the national and international role of the Crown in the twentieth century politics. It will be a revelation to those who imagine that monarchy has been of purely ceremonial significance in the modern era. It provides valuable discussions of the influence exerted by representatives of the Crown in some current and former Commonwealth Realms and their involvement in the process of decolonisation. But it also explores the part Viceregal representatives and the monarch herself played in the politics of the British isles, and provides a reminder that the powers the Queen still retains are both significant and controversial.’-Philip Murphy, Director, Institute of Commonwealth Studies, University of London This book examines how the Crown has performed as Head of State across the UK and post war Commonwealth during times of political crisis. It explores the little-known relationships, powers and imperial legacies regarding modern heads of state in parliamentary regimes where so many decisions occur without parliamentary or public scrutiny. This original study highlights how the Queen’s position has been replicated across continents with surprising results. It also shows the topicality and contemporary relevance of this historical research to interpret and understand crises of governance and the enduring legacy of monarchy and colonialism to modern politics. This collection uniquely brings together a diverse set of states including specific chapters on England, Scotland, Northern Ireland, Sri Lanka, Malaysia, Brunei, Ghana, Nigeria, Zimbabwe/Rhodesia, Australia, Tuvalu, and the Commonwealth Caribbean. Viceregalism is written and conceptualised to remind that the Crown is not just a ceremonial part of the constitution, but a crucial political and international actor of real importance.