Queen Elizabeth died in England, and her state funeral was widely reported in Japan. Taking this opportunity, many people probably learned about the great influence that the King (or Queen) of England has on the world. Japan now faces risks in its relationship with China, which continues to expand both militarily and economically, but I believe Japan should strengthen its ties with the United Kingdom as a trump card for security. I will explain in detail why I say so. (Masato Kamikubo, Professor, College of Policy Science, Ritsumeikan University)
Britain in the midst of turmoil
The “mighty influence” that the king has
Queen Elizabeth II of the United Kingdom (Queen Elizabeth II) passed away on September 8th, and a state funeral was held on the 19th.
It happened just as the former Prime Minister Boris Johnson stepped down on September 6th and the new Prime Minister Liz Truss was inaugurated. Britain, which is in the midst of turmoil, is now attracting attention from all over the world.
Queen Elizabeth’s state funeral was attended by many royal families and leaders from various countries, including the Emperor and Empress of Japan. It was the largest diplomatic gathering in decades.
The appearance of dignitaries from each country attending the state funeral was widely reported in Japan. Until now, little was known in Japan about the influence of the British king (or queen) on the world.
Specifically, the British monarch concurrently serves as the head of state of the Commonwealth Realm, which consists of former colonial countries.
The Commonwealth of Nations is a group of nations consisting of 15 independent nations, including the United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, and Jamaica.
The British King is also the head of state who symbolizes the solidarity of more than 50 countries, including republics, in the “British Commonwealth” (Commonwealth).Series 134）。
In addition, the United Kingdom has a “royal dependency” in the vicinity of the British mainland. The Isle of Man and the Channel Islands, which are royal territories, are not members of the Commonwealth of Nations and have a high degree of autonomy.
The British monarch “reigns but does not rule” and is not directly involved in the politics of his own country or other countries, but Queen Elizabeth has reigned as head of state in nearly a quarter of the world’s countries and regions. No change. Her powers were inherited by the new King Charles and will continue.
And considering the international situation, the influence of the British king reigning over a wide area cannot be ignored.