I. Find out the following

1. What is the state system in the United Kingdom today? Name its typical features.

2. Why do you think the Monarchy still keeps afloat in the UK?

3. Despite the fact that the Monarchy remains alive, its position is somewhat shaky. What causes dissatisfaction of the British at the existing social order?

4. How can you account for the title of the text?

As history shows monarchies nee to continuously reform themselves if they are to survive. Max de Lotbiniere looks at the British Royal Family's effort to adapt to changing world

Arguments about the Monarchy are as old as the institution itself. But this summer, critics who have been calling for reform were taken by surprise. The Queen, it was revealed, has been asking some searching questions about her role, and the future of Royal institutions.

A door was opened on the secretive world of the Queen's private affairs when it was confirmed that she was meeting with family members and officials to discuss the long-term future of the Monarchy. The group, which includes the Queen, Prince Philip, Prince Charles and some of their top-ranking advisers, is known as the "Way Ahead" committee, and it is looking at ways to ensure the Monarchy remains in tune with the modern world.

According to the Political Editor of the Sun newspaper, Trevor Kavanagh, who first revealed details about the group, it is the Queen who has recognised the need for change. "She set up the committee four years ago," he said. "They meet every six months, and she, at the age of 70, is being given the credit for looking into the future and seeing that the Royal Family does have to change to take account of changing times."

Buckingham Palace has not revealed all the details about the group's discussions, but it is clear that the Queen is considering changing some of the Monarchy's more ancient rules.

One proposal is to end the primogeniture law, which means that the title of Monarch passes to sons rather than daughters. The present Queen only inherited the title because there were no male heirs.

The ban on heirs to the throne marrying Roman Catholics is also reported to have come under scrutiny. Under the present law, which is 295 years old, a Royal cannot be crowned if he or she is married to a Catholic. William Oddie, a Catholic theologian, is one of those who is pleased that the Queen is considering changing this law.

"I think this will be greatly welcomed. In practical terms, it's obviously not something that affects very many Catholics, but it is just a kind of niggling piece of hurtfulness that remains from the past and I think Catholics will be glad to see it go."

But even though many people in Britain regard the ban on marriage to Catholics as outdated and unnecessary, changing the law would be very controversial. Catholic parents are obliged to bring up their children as Catholics, so, in theory, this would mean that a Catholic could succeed to the throne. This would be in conflict with the Monarch's role as Supreme Governor of the Church of England. The latest meeting of the Way Ahead committee was held last September at Balmoral, the Queen's summer residence in Scotland. The meeting was attended by all the Queen's children, and it was the first since the divorces of Prince and Princess of Wales and the Duke and Duchess of York

According to the BBC's Court Correspondent, Jenny Bond, these recent talks focused on practical matters. "They want to get on with what they say is the business of monarchy, rather than the 'soap opera' that they see in the media."

One issue under discussion, according to press reports was the Monarchy's public image. The Royal Family agrees that it must end the damaging series of recent scandals in the British press. The latest focus of that media attention is Prince Charles' relationship with his long-time friend, Camilla Parker-Bowles.

Now that Charles is free to marry again, there is speculation that he will propose to Camilla. But this could further damage the reputation of the Monarchy.

When Charles becomes King, he will take on the role of Supreme Governor of the Church of England. (He will not have direct control over its affairs but he will be expected to set a good exam­ple). Many Anglicans are worried about Charles' suitability for this role and they think that a second marriage would set a bad example.

One way of avoiding a difficult situation like this would be by changing the relationship between the Monarchy and the Church of England. But the Royal family has said that it is not considering such a fundamental move.

Instead, it was reported that Charles had given assurances to the Queen, at the Balmoral meeting, that he would not marry Camilla Parker-Bowles, and that he will keep their relationship discreet.

In the meantime, the Way Ahead group win continue to look at other aspects of how the Monarchy works. But big changes are not expected soon. It is clear that these meetings are part of an evolutionary, not revolu­tionary process of change and reform. The British Monarchy has, throughout history, been very good at adapting to circum­stances. It has survived wars, political and social turmoil, and ups and downs in its popularity. The fact that the Way Ahead group exists proves mat the Queen, at least, still has a leader's instinct for survival.

WORD STUDY

II. Make sure you understand the following words and expressions:

- the "Way Ahead" committee

- the primogeniture law

- a niggling piece of hurtfulness

- to remain in tune with

- top-ranking advisers

- Court Correspondent

- scandals; to talk scandal; scandalous means

- the Anglicans / the Roman Catholics

III. Match the words on the left with their definitions in the right-hand column:

IV. Fill in the gaps with the prepositions:

1. According to Trevor Kavanagh, the Political Editor of the Sun newspaper, the "Way Ahead" committee was set ..... 4 years ago.

2. One proposal is to eradicate the ban ..... heirs ..... the throne.

3. The fact that the "Way Ahead" group exists proves that the Queen has a leader's instinct ..... survival. . '

4...... the present law, a Royal cannot be crowned if he or she is married ..... a Catholic.

5. When Charles becomes King, he will take .......the role of the Supreme Governor of the Church of England.

6. Catholic parents are obliged to bring up their children as Catholics, so this would mean that a Catholic could succeed ..... the throne.

COMPREHENSION

V. Enumerate the basic changes of some of the Monarchy's ancient rules and say how expedient they are, how they will change the Monarchy.

VI. Describe the relationship between the Monarchy and the Church of England.

VII. What do you know about the relationship between the Royal Family and the Press. Draw the Monarchy's public image.

FOLLOW -UP

In groups and pairs discuss:

Do you flunk there's a future for the Monarchy in the UK? Why yes/no? If yes, how do you see it?

THE MONARCHY

Test

Information check

I. Give definitions for the following:

a) consort

regent

peer

Governor General

figurehead

b) the Privy Council

the Civil List

the "Way Ahead" committee

the Privy Purse

the Commonwealth