Course Description

Instructor: Michael McDavid

Abdication or Regency: What Happens When the Monarch Can’t Do the Job

Over time many monarchs have found themselves, usually because of health or age-related problems, to be unable to carry out their duties and responsibilities. In earlier times they would carry on with the assistance of other family members or officials who would unofficially take over the duties. In more recent times the more likely scenario is that an aged monarch abdicates the throne in favor of the heir and goes into royal retirement. In cases where the ruler is too young or temporarily incapacitated, a regent can be appointed to exercise the monarch’s authority until they can resume the role or come of age.

In this session we will look at the history of the British monarchy to see how often their abdications and regencies have been and under what circumstances. Particular attention will be paid to the several abdications in British history and the various regencies over the centuries. Lastly, we will examine the circumstances under which Charles III might need a regent because of current health conditions and how this could be accomplished.