How to be a modern royal | The Economist

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Around the world...
...monarchies are holding up surprisingly well.
Many are doing more than just surviving...
...they are thriving
44 countries have a monarch as head of state
Since the millennium only two royal families have gone out of business...
those of Samoa and Nepal...
where in 2001 a murderous Nepalese prince...
...killed nine family members, and himself
In effect, ending the royal line
In the 20th century revolutions and two world wars...
...ended 110 monarchies
How do you keep a monarchy alive?
Queen Elizabeth II is perhaps the best-known monarch
She rules over 16 realms and 86% of Britons...
think she's doing a good job
This is partly because she says nothing of consequence...
...in public
The British royals have also proved they can move with the times...
...welcoming a mixed-race American actress into the fold
In Thailand monarchs are apolitical, on paper...
...but their close ties with the army have legitimised...
...many military coups...
...undermining democracy
Strict laws also protect the monarchy's image
Mild criticism of the royal family, and even their pets...
...is landing increasing numbers of people in prison
The power-hungry new king Vajiralongkorn...
is less popular than his father...
...and some wonder whether the institution...
...will survive under his rule
In Saudi Arabia the king and his crown prince...
Mohammad bin Salman
...have absolute power
Part of the Al Saud dynasty's success comes from its wealth
Riches from oil boost the country's economy...
...creating large pots of money to buy the loyalty of subjects
Lavish welfare handouts are used to keep the people happy
And well-paid goons are used to keep them quiet
On April 23rd the country executed 37 people...
...many of them Shias...
...for alleged terrorism
Monarchs who survive today have mastered the art of tightrope walking
The best maintain popular support by staying out of politics...
...putting their country's interests before their own...
...and adapting with the times
If they don't...
...they risk disappearing for good