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Britain is in the grip of Coronation fever – for the first time in 70 years.  Commemorative coins, medallions and mugs are everywhere. And there are endless discussions by supposed experts on the pageantry

Since the beginning of time monarchs and monarchy have attracted a great deal of attention in the media.  Countless works of history have focused on the deeds and misdeeds of political leaders, and many writers of fiction have likewise devoted much of their energy to such characters.  

The well-known story of the Roman Emperor Hadrian’s rebuke at the hands of the petitioner whom he had rebuffed is significant. “Then, don’t be king!” was her taunt, illustrating the general expectation in a strong popular monarchy that the ruler should be accessible by even the humblest of his subjects.  

The title of “emperor” is commonly seen as superior to that of “king”.  But that has not always been the case.  Ironically, what is now translated as “emperor” started out not as a title at all but as an attempt to avoid a monarchical title altogether.

Was World War I inevitable?  If so, when did it become so, and why?  Contrary to general belief, the war could have been averted or prevented altogether had two of the crowned heads involved had more rather than less power over their own governments...