How useful do you think the queen is as head of state?

[FeistySheep]

I have Googled but it's difficult to find exact answers as to the queen's constitutional powers, as there is no written constitution - more unwritten rules and precedent. For example, I know that the queen can technically refuse to sign a law, but what would happen if she actually did? Would parliament then move to take that power away from her? I believe the queen has not been able to dissolve parliament since 2011.

I guess my question is, how much of a safety net does she actually represent? How about the (random) scenario that we elected a 'bad' government that tried to pass a crazy law saying that citizens had to sign in at police stations every month so the gov could keep tabs on everyone. Say the queen refused to sign the legislation so it couldn't be passed. Then the government acts to remove the need for the queen to sign the laws. Isn't this the type of thing a neutral non-political head of state should protect us from? Can the queen effectively protect us from that any more?

If not, what's her purpose? Advisory only? If so, is she better placed to advise governments that anyone else? Is her only value that she is unelected and lifelong - ie has a long-term interest in the UK rather than being concerned with short-term political gain?

Sorry if a bit rambling! What are your thoughts, whether you're a constitutional expert or not?

I know what would work, after the Queen's passing, PC should set up royal HQ in Balmoral attract tourists @FeistySheep's way. Then we would know for sure how much tourism they really bring

Unfortunately, as they have this loooong list of succession, they will cling on to it tooth and nail I think .. unless Commonwealth counties start the process of removing royalty as HoS.

Things happen... There are a few steps that would be necessary but in theory, should a few accidents happen.. Andrew could become the next King. I don't wish for an plane crash or other catastrophe, but worst things have happened.

By accepting the concept of a the royal family and hereditary monarchy as it stands, we accept that Andrew could become King.

I do have a problem with that.

unless Commonwealth counties start the process of removing royalty as HoS.

Well here's 2.

www.express.co.uk/news/royal/1336423/queen-elizabeth-ii-news-jamaica-barbados-head-of-state-commonwealth-spt

God alone knows what damage recent events have done to the burning desire of other commonwealth countries to keep the Windsors.

I knew I'd read something somewhere once - Barbados, I believe, is the place I was thinking about re: rejecting the Monarch.

The Royal Family isn't a tourist attraction. No one seems them except on rare occasions. People associate all the periphery (jewels, carriages etc) with them . We've more chance of seeing Bono than the Royals. Just pay the admission fee. Queen does have power to make sure her holdings are ok via Queens Consent.

There are many problems with the monarchy. The royal prerogative, these powers are exercised on behalf of the queen by the prime minister and bypass parliamentary scrutiny, indeed, parliament can not question them, thus fundamentally undermining democratic accountability. Plus the queen is clearly not neutral as they have had legislation changed to protect the royal family's interests. Preventing the sale of freeholds that belong to the duchy of Cornwall and concealing the true wealth of the royal family to name but 2. The royal family do not bring in tourist revenue, there is no evidence for this. In addition they cost the taxpayer hundreds of millions.

Seems like the will of the people is clear.

www.cbc.ca/news/canada/monarchy-poll-canadians-meghan-harry-interview-1.5951515

Over half of Canadians say monarchy is obsolete after Harry and Meghan's interview, poll suggests

On the royal assent, no monarch has refused since Queen Anne. And refusal now would cause a huge crisis and most likely lead to her losing even the theoretical power, and abolition - see the House of Lords and the Parliament Act 1911.