Evaluating: ‘The Context, Performance and Meaning of Ritual: The British
Monarchy and the ‘Invention of Tradition’ c.1820-1977
The British monarchy proves to be one of the world’s most popular figures. Unlike many other
public figures, the monarchy tends to remain one of the most prolific and unique structures the
world has seen, in my opinion. Members of other nations are afforded the opportunity to delve
into the lives of these figures with such elaborate lifestyles. Media coverage has allowed for the
common people of other nations to follow their lives, such as the marriage of the Duke and
Duchess of Cambridge, Harry and Kate, and the recent birth of their children. However, the
elaborate celebrations and monarchy popularity was not always present in Britain. The British
monarch had to development into the distinct power. Through the power of tradition and the
consistency of the invention of tradition, it would begin to rise. Retrospectively, it is important
to know the aspects of that give power to this image. The monarchy’s image and popularity
stems from its political power, personal character, the nature of economic and social structure, its
media attitude, technology and fashion, self-image, the capital city condition, liturgy, ceremonial
nature, and commercial exploitation. (The Invention, 111-12 ) The Invention of Tradition
describes four distinct phases that developed the British monarchy image. (108)
The first phase began from the 1820s through 1870s. During this time, the British monarchy
lacked popularity and significance in its country. Much of the public perception of the monarchy
was recorded in newspaper whose feelings of this periods. The monarchy lacked political power
and its people had been hostile and bitter to the power of royalty. At this time, the country was
in its pre-industrial stage, where agriculture was the largest employment. Monarchy was
considered detached and not friendly. Royalty was often known for its scandal, such as George
IV’s infidelity. Newspaper editorials often attacked the monarchy, especially Victoria, with
cartoon style pictures and stories of scandals and murders. These outlets were expensive and so
only reached the wealthy. Additionally, ceremonies were not a public event and was
characterized as boring and non-eventful. During a time in which horse-drawn carriages was not
an elaborate feature for the event, ceremonies lacked fashion and splendor. Early to mid-
Victorians felt they were powerful and had a stable government and were not concerned with
ceremonies and extravagance. With this said, grand ceremonies, funerals, and coronations were
left unplanned and unrehearsed. Music for such events were to be performed by the English
cathedral choir. Due to the monarchy’s lack of concern with the state of the clergy, the value of
music at these events would be inadequate. This era brought no commerative objects and no
historical value to the monarchy. (The Invention, 113-20) Such disorder caused many issues and
