After Elizabeth Can the monarchy save itself?

Historian and royal commentator Owens (The Family Firm: Monarchy, Mass Media and the British Public) thoroughly and expertly examines the past and present of the British monarchy and offers recommendations for its modernization. His book is structured with four frameworks: "Ceremony, Spectacle, and Tradition"; "Duty, Service, and Philanthropy"; "Family, Celebrity, and Scandal"; and "Nation, Democracy, and the Constitution." Owens argues that the monarchy is now complacent and short of fresh ideas. A major issue for the future is that the younger British generation is not as enthusiastic as their parents and grandparents were about the monarchy. He discusses the royal family's recent missteps, such as the queen's handling of media reports deemed racist for their statements about the Duchess of Sussex; when the Sussexes stepped back from their royal-family roles; and when the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge toured Jamaica, Belize, and the Bahamas, where they were met with protesters demanding reparations and an apology for colonialism. Owens offers constructive ideas for change, including a proposal that King Charles step down as the head of the Commonwealth and turn the position over to an elected figure. VERDICT Highly recommended and thought-provoking, with practical and well-informed ideas.--Lucy Heckman

Why a new king represents a window of opportunity for the reinvigoration of the British monarchy. The monarchy is a bundle of paradoxes: reigning but not ruling, a hereditary role in a modern democracy, a representative of the people while living in castles and enjoying huge wealth. Elizabeth II was widely admired at home and abroad; her son and successor, Charles III, is still finding his footing, but seems to be open to new thinking. Owens, a historian and royal commentator who describes himself as a "critical friend" of the monarchy, hopes so. Elizabeth emphasized stability, but that meant ignorance of many emerging problems. Many young people see the monarchy as an outdated institution, and while it's currently a minority sentiment, it will grow if meaningful reforms are not undertaken. Elizabeth defined her role as one of self-sacrifice and duty, but scandals and family quarrels have undermined the royal image. With Britain enduring political polarization, increasing inequality, and ineffective governments, the monarch could, Owens suggests, do much to bind the country's wounds. A crucial step would be to define the vague powers of the monarch with legislation that would also implement needed governance reforms. Slimming the extended family of royals to the core figures would also allow for a focus on nonpartisan issues such as environmental protection and climate change, matters where Charles already has indicated a strong interest. There are some useful models of reformist royals, such as in Denmark. Owens' ideas are good food for thought, but they will be difficult to implement. Still, one might hope that Charles proves to be willing and able to start down a modernizing path. "Radical renewal," writes the author, would create "a monarchy fit for the twenty-first century, one that plays a genuinely useful role in national life." With the clarity of expertise, Owens sets out an agenda to give the Crown an energetic role in the 21st century. Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.