There is something about royalty and the idea of “the crown” that captures the public’s attention and imagination. Yet while historically, monarchies used to run many countries and empires around the world, only several remain today, the most public of which, is the British royal monarchy. Yet while for some it ignites reverie and imagination, it is reasonable to ask what purpose the monarchy actually serves. Why is the British monarch so important, if it really is at all? Is the idea of a monarchy actually outdated, or does it still serve as some important symbol? Has the British monarchy sufficiently changed with the times, or has it become an outdated institution that will fall by the wayside in due time? Royal Commentator Ed Wang joins the podcast.