In name, the UK is a constitutional monarchy – but in practice the aristocracy is much more vestigial. The QuKing is little more than a ceremonial stamp on the real decision making body, parliament. Lower aristocrats do still exist and exert a greater influence on politics than regular citizens (and this seems to happen more in the UK than in other European countries that still keep their blue bloods around…), but it’s still a shadow of the kind of power birthright used to command. If it helps, think of it like a republic that’s been putting off dusting out the cupboards.

And just in case; use of the word “Republican” here has nothing to do with yankee party politics.

• [1]: a government in which supreme power resides in a body of citizens entitled to vote and is exercised by elected officers and representatives responsible to them and governing according to law

• [2]: a political unit (such as a nation) having such a form of government