Includes bibliographical references (p. 47) and index.

Monarchy and tradition -- Tapping tradition -- Might versus right -- For king and country -- Mixing it up -- Making a monarchy work -- A clash of interests -- Changing times -- Heirs to the throne -- End fo the line -- Monarchy and the media -- Looking ahead.

"Describes the government workings of a monarchy, including the differences between a constitutional monarchy and the more rare absolute monarchy. The history of how monarchies have evolved, the role of monarchs today, and the future of monarchies are examined."--Provided by publisher.