Of Crises, Constitutionalism and Irresponsible Advisers

Permanent private secretaries to the monarch are not elected, nor they chosen on civil service criteria. They also have no formal legal training, despite fact that their advice can be vital during constitutional crises. We test Ivor Jennings's claim serve as ‘irresponsible advisers’ Crown, who may influence in political disputes, and whether interests. Four case studies include Home Rule crisis, 1910–14; Edward VIII's abdication; election of 1950; dismissal Australian Prime Minister Gough Whitlam 1975.