Does Queen Elizabeth Have Real Influence Or Is She Just A Figurehead?

Queen Elizabeth remains as the head of the monarchy at the age of 93. And by the looks of it, she won’t abdicate anytime soon.

But on the online forum site Quora, royal fans are wondering if Her Majesty still has a real influence on the monarchy and the people or if she’s simply a figurehead or a symbol.

David Stewart, a teacher from Australia, said that the Queen wears a number of different crowns. But even if she’s referred to as the Queen of England, she doesn’t rule other nations in this capacity. As the Queen of England, the monarch has no right to rule the likes of Australia and other countries. However, she rules the country because she’s also the Queen of Australia.

“It’s an important distinction to make because she has the power to repeal any law passed by Parliament within 12 months of it being passed. Australia’s elected officials can unanimously pass a new piece of legislation and then the Queen can throw it out anytime within a year,” he said.

Catherine Walker, a citizen of the United Kingdom, said that the Queen is the Head of State of 16 governments, and she’s also the leader of all 53 nations under the Commonwealth.

“Her role in Britain is like the president in countries without a sovereign. She delegates the government of the country to her Parliament, but is Commander in Chief of the Armed Forces of the crown,” she said.

The Queen is also the Supreme Governor of the Church of England, which means that she has a real influence on a lot of things and she’s not just a symbol or a figurehead today.

But one day, all these could change because there are rumors that she will be giving up her throne in favor of Prince Charles in just two years. While speaking with Yahoo’s “The Royal Box,” royal author Phil Dampier said that Her Majesty may slow down when she turns 95.