The United Kingdom has a deep and complex relationship with its monarchy. As Head of State the monarch stands at the apex of the British constitution. As a symbol of British history and identity, the monarchy is widely seen as providing a source of stability in a diverse society. Yet social change and constitutional reform threaten to leave the institution increasingly out of place in a modern society.

Fifty years after Queen Elizabeth II came to the throne, and following more than a decade of highly publicised troubles, The Future of the Monarchy offers a compelling account of Britain's ancient institution.

The 50,000 word report, The Future of the Monarchy, is the result of a year-long enquiry by the independent ten-member Commission, chaired by David Bean QC, and provides the first comprehensive blueprint for Royal reform for over 300 years. The report argues that the monarchy must become more representative of British society needs to continue to evolve, as it has done throughout its history, if it is to retain public support and to meet the needs of a changing society and constitution.

The Future of the Monarchy examines the key roles and functions of the British sovereign and the Royal Family. It explores the monarch's constitutional duties and powers, such as the right to summon and dismiss Parliament and the so-called 'Royal Prerogative' powers exercised by the Prime Minister and government. It calls for new rules of succession, ending the ancient obstacles and bars to elder daughters and Catholics acceding to the throne. It deals with the monarch's relationship with the law, with the Church of England, and with the Commonwealth. It describes how the institution of the monarchy is organised and financed, and makes recommendations on the size of the Royal Family, its property and taxation.

In defining a new role for a modern office of Head of State, The Future of the Monarchy provides a comprehensive overview of one of the central institutions of British life and politics. Clearly and accessibly written, it will be of interest to both general readers and students with an interest in constitutional, political and social reform.

"The Fabian report is a reformist rather than revolutionary document…a wide-ranging and well argued case for a series of reforms which would help bring the monarchy abreast of the modern age"

—Editorial, The Guardian

"The Fabians recommend a clear distinction between the public and private lives of the Royal Family"

—Benedict Brogan, The Telegraph

"The British constitution, the Queen once shrewdly observed, "has always been puzzling and always will be". Aspects of it, however, are not merely perplexing but also irrational. The rules that surround the succession to the throne are among the most anachronistic and indefensible. The reform proposals would provide for new and far more relevant arrangements... it would be intriguing to see how any parliamentarian could publicly defend the present method of succession. The British constitution might always be puzzling. It should not take pride in being ostentatiously bonkers."

—Editorial, The Times