monarchists

Monarchists are individuals or groups who advocate for monarchy as the form of government in a country. They support a monarch serving as head of state, in a spectrum that ranges from largely ceremonial constitutional monarchies to absolute monarchies where the monarch retains substantial political power. Within constitutional monarchies, the monarch's role is typically symbolic and political authority rests with elected institutions.

Historically, most European and many other states were monarchies. In the modern era, monarchies persist largely in constitutional forms in Europe and Asia, and in several regions with varying degrees of royal prerogative, such as Saudi Arabia and Jordan. Some monarchists operate in republics, advocating restoration of monarchy; others defend the current constitutional arrangement as a source of continuity and national identity.

Arguments for monarchism include claims of stability, continuity, and a nonpartisan figurehead that can transcend politics. Critics argue that hereditary rule can conflict with democratic equality and accountability, and that monarchies impose costs without clear governance benefits.

Monarchism is a political ideology connected with debates about legitimacy, tradition, and the proper balance between tradition and reform. Its practical relevance varies by country and era, making it a persistent topic in comparative politics and constitutional studies.