Powers of the Queen of England. Functions exercised. Scopes
The Crown is handed over to the Queen, but in general its functions are exercised by the ministers who answer to Parliament.
What powers does the Queen of England have?
Her Majesty's Government represented by the Queen
The Crown, representing both the Sovereign (the person to whom the Crown is constitutionally conferred) and the Government, is the symbol of the supreme executive power. The Crown is handed over to the Queen, but in general its functions are exercised by the ministers who answer to Parliament. The United Kingdom is governed by Her Majesty's Government represented by the Queen. However, the Queen's participation is required in many important government events.
The British Parliament
The Queen summons, extends (suspends until the next session without dissolving it) and dissolves Parliament. Normally each year she opens the session of Parliament by delivering a speech from the throne, which is written for her by the Government and describes the program of the same. Before a bill becomes law, the Queen must give her royal consent, which is announced to both Houses of Parliament.
Justice
The Queen can, with the ministerial council, pardon or show clemency to those convicted of any crime. According to the law, the Queen, as an individual person, cannot do anything wrong: she has immunity from civil or criminal proceedings and cannot be sued in the courts of justice. The other members of the royal family do not participate in this immunity.
Honors and Appointments
The Queen has the power to confer the rank of peer, knight, and other honors. It generally does so on the recommendation of the Prime Minister, although the Sovereign personally confers some honors. The Queen makes appointments to many state offices on the advice of the Prime Minister or the relevant Cabinet Minister.
Foreign policy
Foreign diplomatic representatives stationed in London are accredited to the Queen. In addition, she has the power to conclude treaties, declare war and make peace, recognize foreign states and governments and annex and cede territory.
The Royal Council (Privy Council)
The Queen presides over the meetings of the Royal Council. In these meetings, among other things, the Orders of the Council that are elaborated under the Royal Prerogative or under statutes are approved. The Royal Prerogative mainly comprises the executive power: the powers controlled by constitutional conventions (rules that are not part of the law, but that are considered indispensable for the machinery of government). In almost all cases, acts involving the Royal Prerogative are carried out by Ministers, who are accountable to Parliament and can be questioned about their policies. Parliament has the power to abolish or restrict a prerogative right.
In addition to being informed and consulted on all aspects of national life, the Queen can freely express her own opinions in private for consideration by the Ministers.
