6 Things A King Actually Does


Forty-three countries in the world today have kings. Historically, almost every country on earth was ruled by a monarch. Kings have played a major role in almost every nation’s past – from ancient times to the medieval period, through to the present day. We all know that king’s rule over a country, but what does a king actually do? Let us explain…

1. Acts As Head of State

A first thing that a king does it act as the Head of State of nation.

The Head of State of a country is the top public representative of a nation. The Head of State also often leads the government. In almost all countries with a monarchy the king is the Head of State, making them the most senior political leader. Being the Head of State of a nation is one of the most important things a monarch does.

In almost every county that has a king, one of the main things they do is act as Head of State. Today, countries such as the United Kingdom, Norway, Sweden, and Spain all have monarchs that are the Head of State. However, these countries have constitutional monarchies. This means the king is Head of State but acts in a ceremonial role – political power is held by the elected head of the government.

Although there many countries in the world where the king is Head of State but is a symbolic figure only, there are also countries today where the king is Head of State and actually leads the government. Examples of these include Brunei, Saudi Arabia, Jordan, Bhutan, and Cambodia. In these countries, as the Head of the State, the king directly overseas the workings of the government.

As well as modern day kings acting as Heads of State, throughout history one of the most important things a king would do was be the ruler of the country. In medieval times, as the Head of State, the king would directly control how the country was ran.

Being the Head of State is essentially the primary thing that a king does.

2. Represents The Armed Forces

A second thing that a king does is represent the armed forces.

In every country, the armed forces are a powerful and respected institution. They are seen as the defenders of the nation and are often closely linked to the country’s history. Kings are almost always firming connected to a country’s armed forces. Often, they serve either as an actual or honorary member of the army, navy, or air force. In many countries younger members of the royal family serve in the armed forces.

In modern times, a king is usually seen as the symbolic head of the armed forces. In countries such as the United Kingdom, the Netherlands, Luxembourg, and Denmark, the king does not actually lead the army. However, they are often involved in traditional ceremonies connected to the armed forces and regularly promote causes related to army personnel and veterans.

As well as there being countries where the king has a ceremonial connection to the armed forces, in other countries they are directly in command of the military. Examples of countries where this is the case include Saudi Arabia, Oman, Jordan, and Thailand. Although kings in these countries do not directly lead their troops in battle, they are the Commander in Chief of the military and are able to directly control how the military act.

In historical times, many kings did actually lead their armies into battels. Medieval monarchs such as King Edward III and King Henry V of Britain, King Sebastian I of Portugal and King John of Bohemia commanded their forces in combat. Actually, leading the army was seen as vital part of what a king does in medieval times. However, today, kings either have a ceremonial connection or managerial command of the armed forces.

3. Holds Court

A third thing that a king does is hold court.

A royal court is the term used for the people and institutions that surround a monarch. This can include people who directly attend to the monarch, nobleman and other societal leaders who visit the king, the royal household including servants and assistances, and extended members of the royal family.

The objective of a royal court is to help the king undertake their duties.

When a king holds court, it means they manage the running of the royal household and the institutions that are directly connected to it. A royal court also provides advice to a king and helps to guide them in their duties.

In the modern day, royal courts are often made up of palace servants and guards, as well as advisors for the king. Modern kings also often have external liaison teams that work with the press and cultivate a public image for the monarch.

In medieval times, the king would hold court to govern the nation, as well as to receive guidance. A medieval court would be made up of military commanders, barons, lords, and members of the church such as abbots and bishops

Royal courts have a long history. Managing the court is still one of the most important things a king does.

4. Advises The Government

Another thing that a king does is advise the government.

Whether the king of a nation is a constitutional monarchy or the direct ruler of the country, providing advice to the government is one of the most important things a king does.

In a constitutional monarchy, such as the United Kingdom, the monarch regularly meets with the elected leader of the government to provide advice and discuss the issues of the day. Although in constitutional monarchies the king does not influence politics, they do provide a neutral and well-respected voice on government policy. Many royals also have many years’ of experience and can provide historical context to events that political leaders may miss. In constitutional monarchies the king is also seen as a representative of the people and the nation, and so can advocate for causes that the elected political leaders may miss.

In countries where the king is the direct ruler, the monarch advises the government of their wishes and controls how the nation is ran. The king will often meet with government ministers to discuss policy and decide on what laws should be passed and what actions different departments should take. In medieval times the king would also directly control the government. They would provide advice to nobleman on how to use their land and raise revenue for the state. The king would also advise religious

5. Is A Symbol For The Nation

One thing that all kings do is act a symbol for the nation.

All over the world, monarchs are seen as the symbolic leaders of their country. They are held in high-regard and are viewed as intrinsically connected to the nation’s history. Kings play a key role in national traditions, ceremonies, and festivities.

Throughout history, kings have acted as national symbols. They are supposed to be the personal embodiment of a nation. This means their role is to promote an image that is in-line with the national character, as well as embody the traditions, culture, religion, and history of the country’s people.

Being a national icon is perhaps one of the most important things a king does. During times of war or crisis, the actions of the king can help steady the nation and rally the people. A royal family, and its lineage, can also be seen as a living connection to the country’s past.

Kings in all nations act as symbols for their people to gather around. In times past, kings have also been key icons for their nations. The role of national symbol is one of the most vital things that a king does.

6. Represents The Nation Abroad

A final thing that a king does is represent their nation abroad.

Kings travel abroad regularly. They are invited on state visits to other nations and act as representatives of for their country’s government and people. Monarchs often attend meetings with leaders of other countries. They also join international events and act as their nation’s representative.

Traveling abroad and acting as a representative of their country is one of the key things that monarchs do.

Constitutional monarchs, such as in the United Kingdom, Norway, the Netherlands, and Denmark, often travel abroad to meet with the leaders of other countries. They also host government officials from other countries and attend state visits when dignitaries of allied nations visit their countries.

In absolute monarchies, such as in Saudi Arabia, Brunei, Oman, and Lesotho, the king travels abroad to represent their nation in the same way a President or Prime Minister would. They attend global gatherings, such as the G20, United Nations and World Economic Forum. They also undertake state visits to allied nations and meet their leaders.

In medieval times, traveling internationally was more difficult. However, kings would still often travel to neighboring countries to agree treaties or liaise with other monarchs. Kings would also represent their nations abroad by fighting in wars.

Traveling internationally, and representing their nations, is one of the key things that a king does.

Global Affairs Explained

Global Affairs Explained is an ongoing project aiming to provide concise guides to world events. Focusing on international relations, history, and geo-politics, Global Affairs Explained uses original research and data to answer questions often not covered by traditional media.

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