Myth No 7 and the monarchy

Published on 05/02/2012 00:00

THERE is a myth that Kenny Farquharson omitted (‘Six myths about the SNP and the independence referendum’, 29 January).

That is the idea that an independent Scotland would remain part of the UK because it would keep the Queen as head of state.

Independence for Scotland breaks up the UK, both politically and monarchically. Both the kingdoms of Scotland and England (with Wales) ceased to exist at the creation of the UK in 1707, fulfilling the ambition of James VI and I when he succeeded to the English throne. There is now only one “United” Kingdom.

This raises the question of what kingdom (if any) would remain after the great schism and what would happen to the British monarchy.

It appears that the Queen would lose her kingdom and become stateless. Perhaps the Privy Council would determine that she could continue as monarch of a re-established English kingdom (incorporating Wales and Northern Ireland).

Very unlikely though that she could also be Queen of an independent Scotland (modern monarchs do not rule more than one kingdom).

Thus the SNP’s idea is flawed: there would be no continuing UK and Scotland would be on its own to determine what relationship it wanted with the Kingdom of England.

If it still wanted the Queen as its head of state, then the only option appears to be as a Commonwealth realm or dominion.

Steuart Campbell, Edinburgh