Many countries have continued to maintain their monarchies despite the popularity of republican practices. This is due to a blend of history, constitutional role, cultural uniqueness and political stability. According to Ginsburg et al. (2025), constitutional monarchies are usually not affiliated with any party, and they serve as emblems of unity, while still embodying the nation’s political and cultural heritage in a modern governance setting.
A major reason why monarchies exist and thrive in the modern world is the symbolic role that they play in creating a national identity. Monarchs characterise the historic and cultural stability of a country – they connect the past, present and future facets of a nation. Their presence promotes unity, especially in societies with multiple ethnicities where cultural differences may hinder unity (Pillalalamarri, 2014). Ceremonial gatherings, such as royal visits, national cultural celebrations, and other festivals, help to strengthen a sense of togetherness.
Moreover, there is a form of reputation and pomp associated with royalty, which is why royal and cultural events attract tourism, thereby increasing a country’s revenue. Japan, Thailand and the United Kingdom have leveraged the monarchies and royal families to reinforce economic and diplomatic ties (Pillalalamarri, 2014). Monarchy may be expensive, but these expenses are viewed as investments that yield international popularity and reputation.
Monarchs act as agents of stabilisation. They serve as a link between different parties in politics since they are usually nonpartisan (Tridimas, 2021). They reign longer and have prospect to provide stability in leadership during national instability. They are not susceptible to interim democratic pressures. This helps to maintain a stable and working society even when elected leaders are at loggerheads.
In conclusion, monarchies continue to be present because their function in society exceeds governance; they encourage national stability, economic development and moral guidance. They blend traditions and cultures with political philosophies, which ensure their relevancy in the modern world.
References
Ginsburg, T., Rodriguez, D., & Weingast, B. (2025). The functions of constitutional monarchy: Why kings and queens survive in a world of republics. Google.com. https://www.law.nyu.edu/sites/default/files/Constitutional%20Monarchy%20as%20Equilibrium.pdf
Tridimas, G. (2021). Constitutional monarchy as power sharing. Constitutional Political Economy, 32(4), 355–373. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10602-021-09336-8
Pillalamarri, A. (2014, June 24). Why monarchies are still relevant and useful in the 21st century. The Diplomat. https://thediplomat.com/2014/06/why-monarchies-are-still-relevant-and-useful-in-the-21st-century/
