What is royal assent?

Royal assent refers to the formal approval given by the monarch, in this case, the King, required for a bill to become law in the United Kingdom. This process is a crucial step in the legislative procedure, as it signifies the official consent from the Crown, which is a constitutional requirement in the UK's parliamentary system. Once royal assent is granted, the bill can be enacted and will have the force of law.

This step is largely ceremonial in modern times, as the expectation is that the monarch will act on the advice of the elected government. However, it represents the last phase of the legislative process in Parliament, marking the transition from proposed legislation to actual law. Understanding the role of royal assent within the context of the UK’s constitutional framework highlights its importance in the legislative process.