Demise of the Crown

In relation to the British monarchy, the Demise of the Crown is the legal term for the end of a reign by a king or queen. The term is used in English law to signify the immediate transfer of sovereignty and royal prerogatives to the late king or queen's successor without interregnum.

Related Topics:
British monarchy - Reign - King - Queen - Royal prerogative - Interregnum

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Upon the crown's demise, a meeting of the privy council is held in London in order to give directions for the proclamation the late monarch's successor. The Lord Mayor of London and Aldermen also attend this meeting. However, in theory the sovereign never dies thus the succession is considered to be instantaneous. The proclamation takes place at St James's Palace, at Charing Cross, within the City Boundary at Temple Bar, and at the Royal Exchange.

Related Topics:
Privy council - London - Lord Mayor of London - St James's Palace - Charing Cross - Royal Exchange

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Traditionally, the demise of the crown resulted in the immediate dissolution of Parliament of the United Kingdom. This requirement was abolised by the Representation of the People Act 1867. A demise of the Crown no longer brings a session or a Parliament to an end. The Succession to the Crown Act 1707 provides that in the event of the demise of the Crown, Parliament, if adjourned or prorogued, must meet as soon as possible and if sitting must immediately proceed to act without any summons in the usual form.http://www.parliament.the-stationery-office.co.uk/pa/ld/ldcomp/ctso05.htm

Related Topics:
Parliament of the United Kingdom - Representation of the People Act 1867

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Since 1985, if the demise of the crown occurs during a general election, the vote is postponed by fourteen days.

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At the first meeting of Parliament under a new monarch meets there is no speech from the Throne. All Members of Parliament and members of the House of Lords take an oath of allegiance to the new Sovereign. The House votes an Address to the Crown in response to the official notification of the previous monarch's demise, expressing condolences upon the death of the previous monarch and loyalty to his or her successor.

Related Topics:
Speech from the Throne - Members of Parliament - House of Lords - Oath of allegiance

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All civil service and crown offices also, traditionally, became vacant upon the demise of the crown. As all staff were employees of the monarch, their employment would end upon the death of the monarch thus all civil servants would have to be rehired and swear out oaths to the new king or queen. The Demise of the Crown Act 1901 and similar legislation throughout the Commonwealth Realms now makes this process unnecessary.

Related Topics:
Civil service - Commonwealth Realm

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Coronation of the new monarch usually occurs within 18 months but is not necessary in order to secure the succession.

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Source: Debrett's

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