A briefing paper which "maps" (or summarises) the main elements of the United Kingdom's uncodified constitution.

A briefing paper which "maps" (or summarises) the main elements of the United Kingdom's uncodified constitution.

A briefing paper on the office and functions of the Prime Minister

A briefing paper on the office and functions of the Prime Minister

Since the 19th century there have been statutory restrictions on members of the Catholic and Jewish faiths making – and advising the Crown on – appointments in the Church of England. This includes the Prime Minister and Lord Chancellor, who advise the Monarch on bishops and other offices in the established church. This research briefing looks at the historic basis of these restrictions and how they work in practice.

Since the 19th century there have been statutory restrictions on members of the Catholic and Jewish faiths making – and advising the Crown on – appointments in the Church of England. This includes the Prime Minister and Lord Chancellor, who advise the Monarch on bishops and other offices in the...

A briefing paper on the history, functions and membership of the Privy Council

A briefing paper on the history, functions and membership of the Privy Council

A briefing on the Finances of the Monarchy, including the Sovereign Grant, Duchies of Lancaster and Cornwall and tax arrangements for members of the Royal Family.

A briefing on the Finances of the Monarchy, including the Sovereign Grant, Duchies of Lancaster and Cornwall and tax arrangements for members of the Royal Family.

A briefing on how a new government is formed under a combination of the royal prerogative (non-statutory powers) and statute (Acts of Parliament).

A briefing on how a new government is formed under a combination of the royal prerogative (non-statutory powers) and statute (Acts of Parliament).

To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, pursuant to the answer of 9 June 2026 to Question 4176 on Monarchy: information, whether he has considered initiating legal action to obtain official information held by the Crown retained by Lord Mandelson and not disclosed for the purposes of the Government...

To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, pursuant to the answer of 9 June 2026 to Question 4176 on Monarchy: information, whether he has considered initiating legal action to obtain official information held by the Crown retained by Lord Mandelson and not disclosed for the purposes of the Government...

A briefing on what happens when a Prime Minister formally resigns and the King appoints a successor, based upon prime ministerial memoirs and other sources.

A briefing on what happens when a Prime Minister formally resigns and the King appoints a successor, based upon prime ministerial memoirs and other sources.

Diplomatic representatives of the United Kingdom to other countries are appointed by the Monarch, usually on advice from the Foreign Secretary.

Diplomatic representatives of the United Kingdom to other countries are appointed by the Monarch, usually on advice from the Foreign Secretary.

To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, whether official information is considered to be held by the Crown when a Crown Servant leaves Crown service and retains such information on (a) personal devices and (b) non-government communication channel.

To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, whether official information is considered to be held by the Crown when a Crown Servant leaves Crown service and retains such information on (a) personal devices and (b) non-government communication channel.

A briefing on how the First Minister of Wales is nominated and appointed.

A briefing on how the First Minister of Wales is nominated and appointed.

A briefing on the process for nominating and appointing the First Minister of Scotland.

A briefing on the process for nominating and appointing the First Minister of Scotland.

This briefing explores what announcements the government could make in the King’s Speech on 13 May 2026 about foreign affairs.

This briefing explores what announcements the government could make in the King’s Speech on 13 May 2026 about foreign affairs.

A briefing on the King’s Speech, which sets out the government’s legislative agenda for the forthcoming parliamentary session.

A briefing on the King’s Speech, which sets out the government’s legislative agenda for the forthcoming parliamentary session.

A briefing paper on the State Opening of Parliament, its history and ceremonial

A briefing paper on the State Opening of Parliament, its history and ceremonial

At the end of the 2024-26 parliamentary session, the remaining hereditary peers lost their entitlement to sit and vote in the House of Lords.

At the end of the 2024-26 parliamentary session, the remaining hereditary peers lost their entitlement to sit and vote in the House of Lords.

In October 2025 the King “initiated a formal process to remove the Style, Titles and Honours of Prince Andrew”. This briefing examines how titles and other honours may be removed.

In October 2025 the King “initiated a formal process to remove the Style, Titles and Honours of Prince Andrew”. This briefing examines how titles and other honours may be removed.

A short briefing on the line of succession to the throne, including how changes are made.

A short briefing on the line of succession to the throne, including how changes are made.

Lords statement regarding the Government's response to the Humble Address laid before the House on 4 February.

Lords statement regarding the Government's response to the Humble Address laid before the House on 4 February.