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How Do Monarchies Survive?

As Prince Harry and Meghan Markle get married, how are monarchies across the world modernising and staying relevant?

Hundreds of millions around the world will watch live coverage of the latest British Royal wedding. Queen Elizabeth's grandson Prince Harry is marrying Meghan Markle, an American actress. Divorced and biracial, she wouldn't have been considered British princess material 50 years ago. But times have changed and the British monarchy has had to change with them. The popularity of the Harry-Meghan match appears to show a recipe for a successful modern monarchy - equal parts tradition and change. So, is that the formula to keep constitutional monarchies afloat in Britain, Western Europe, and the Arab World? Ritula Shah and a panel of guests explore the forces working against monarchies and discuss how they manage to survive.

(Photo of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle by Eddie Mulholland - WPA Pool/Getty Images)

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50 minutes

Last on

Sat 19 May 2018 03:06GMT
Βι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ World Service except Australasia & News Internet

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Contributors

Trine Villemann -Β journalist and author of books about the Danish monarchy

Ana Romero -Β journalist and author of books about the Spanish monarchy

Peter Conradi -Β Foreign Editor of the Sunday Times and writer of 'The King's Speech'

Sean Yom -Β Senior Fellow in the Middle East Program at the Foreign Policy Research Institute

Also featuring:

Michael Cooney -Β National Director and CEO of the Australian Republic Movement

Photo

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle attend an Anzac Day service at Westminster Abbey by Eddie Mulholland - WPA Pool/Getty Images

Broadcasts

  • Fri 18 May 2018 08:06GMT
    Βι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ World Service except News Internet
  • Fri 18 May 2018 17:06GMT
    Βι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ World Service Australasia
  • Fri 18 May 2018 23:06GMT
    Βι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ World Service except News Internet
  • Sat 19 May 2018 03:06GMT
    Βι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ World Service except Australasia & News Internet

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