Monarchies are alive and well in the twenty-first century. And, the notion that “constitutional monarchies” have tamed the power of rulers is perhaps misplaced….

The plans for King Charles III’s upcoming coronation ceremonies reveal new assertions of power and authority by a modern monarch.

“Coronation organizers will ask millions of King Charles III’s new subjects to cry out their allegiance to the monarch in unison from wherever they are watching the service, according to newly released plans for the ceremony,” according to the Washington Post.

“Anyone watching, streaming or listening to Saturday’s service will be invited to recite a new ‘homage of the people,’ sounding what organizers hope will form a ‘chorus of millions’ from across the royal realm to mark the symbolic accession of Britain’s new king.”

The text of the planned pledge of allegiance to King Charles III will read: “I swear that I will pay true allegiance to Your Majesty, and to your heirs and successors according to law. So help me God.”

Advocates of monarchical reform and of republicanism in the United Kingdom will probably be shocked by this political innovation and extension of royal authority.

British royal family watchers abroad often view monarchy as quaint, but it may be time to reexamine the continuing strength of the British monarchy and monarchies throughout the modern world.

The Washington Post reports on the plans for King Charles III’s coronation.