Constitutional Monarchy and Charles III

The UK is a constitutional monarchy: the monarch is head of state but does not rule — the government governs. King Charles III has been the sovereign since the death of Queen Elizabeth II on 8 September 2022. Queen Elizabeth II reigned from 1952 and celebrated her Diamond Jubilee in 2012. The heir apparent is William, Prince of Wales, followed by his children Prince George, Princess Charlotte, and Prince Louis. The monarch is also head of state of many Commonwealth countries.