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by bilbo0s 2815 days ago
I guess I'm not familiar enough with the monarchical aspect of their government to know how (if?) that would go down?

But you make a good point. Why can't their queen or whatever just say no we're not leaving? I'm not sure? I'm from the US. We don't have the whole monarchy thing going on.
2 comments
mattmanser 2815 days ago
Because the position (and power) is symbolic and the centuries old understanding is that the ruling monarch will never exercise it. Should they do so, especially in opposition to a full referendum of all things, it would spell the end of the monarchy.

The last time royal assent was refused in the UK was in 1708:

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Scottish_Militia_Bill

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Latteland 2814 days ago
What if the king or queen was a crazy bastard hell bent or just too stupid to do anything but destroy your normal democratic behaviors and support authoritarian practices? I think you've been lucky up to now, at least for the recent 100 years.
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clubm8 2814 days ago
She doesn't have to force them not to leave.

Merely giving a televised speech that she respects the will of the people, but hopes they will take into consideration here years of experience and view it will be dreadfully harmful would have probably nudged a no. I know she normally does not comment on politics, but I also thought it's not out of the realm of possibility she'd pull a Silent Bob and speak up briefly when it is deeply needed.

Again I ask: what is the point of the monarchy, if they do not step in as some sort of check on the legislative branch when things go off the rails?

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