Research Briefing
What is the King’s Speech
A briefing on the King’s Speech, which sets out the government’s legislative agenda for the forthcoming parliamentary session.
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Research Briefing
State Opening of Parliament – history and ceremonial
A briefing paper on the State Opening of Parliament, its history and ceremonial
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Research Briefing
Peerages and membership of the House of Lords
At the end of the 2024-26 parliamentary session, the remaining hereditary peers lost their entitlement to sit and vote in the House of Lords.
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Research Briefing
The removal of titles and honours
In October 2025 the King “initiated a formal process to remove the Style, Titles and Honours of Prince Andrew”. This briefing examines how titles and other honours may be removed.
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Research Briefing
Can parliamentarians discuss the Royal Family?
There is no prohibition on criticising members of the Royal Family in Parliament, but MPs and peers are required to observe certain rules if they wish to do so.
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Insight
Settling the United Kingdom border
It is a century since the United Kingdom’s border on the island of Ireland was settled by international treaty.
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Research Briefing
What is a Royal Charter?
A Royal Charter incorporates a body, turning it from a collection of individuals into a single legal entity.
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Insight
What is a Royal Warrant?
A Royal Warrant is a legal document authorising an appointment or specific action. These are signed by the King and mainly used for certain public appointments.
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Research Briefing
The death of a monarch
The death of a monarch – and the accession of a new sovereign – involves the Cabinet, the Privy Council, Parliament, Buckingham Palace and the Church of England. This paper outlines the historical precedents for events that follow a demise of the crown.
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Research Briefing
State visits to the UK
What are state visits? Who decides who is invited? Who pays the costs? What is the format of a state visit? Do they always include addresses to Parliament?
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Insight
What are state visits?
State visits are formal international visits by heads of state. In the UK, the King hosts “inbound” state visits and embarks upon “outbound” state visits.
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Research Briefing
What are letters patent?
Letters patent are a legal document which is authorised by the King. They are mainly used for certain sorts of public appointments.
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Insight
What are letters patent?
Letters patent are a legal document which is authorised by the King. They are mainly used for certain sorts of public appointments.
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Research Briefing
The Crown Dependencies
A briefing paper on the constitutional status of the Crown Dependencies, which are the Bailiwick of Jersey, the Bailiwick of Guernsey (including Alderney and Sark) and the Isle of Man.
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Insight
What is a proclamation?
A proclamation is a form of legislation made by the King rather than by Parliament. Proclamations can only be made in certain circumstances.
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