A criminological exploration of surveillance : practices in the British monarchy

Abstract

This dissertation shall investigate the roles of surveillance in shaping the authority, the legitimacy, and also the public perception of the British monarchy. The methodology of this dissertation is purely desk-based. Therefore, the study analyses historical records, media coverage, academic literature, and digital content. This is done to examine how observation acts as both a constraint and a resource for monarchical power. The research will explore surveillance multidirectionally, from institutional monitoring to public scrutiny and lateral digital observation. It will also situate these dynamics within both criminological and sociological frameworks. These include Foucault’s (1977) disciplinary and power, Mathiesen’s (1997) synopticon, Garland’s (2001) culture of control, and also theories of elite deviance. Focusing on historical contexts such as the surveillance of Mary, Queen of Scots, by Elizabeth I, will provide more context for contemporary practices, highlight continuity, and the evolution of strategies of visibility, secrecy, and risk management. The findings show that surveillance is essential for the monarchy. This is because it regulates behaviour, produces legitimacy, and shapes social hierarchies. In this digital era, participatory surveillance and algorithmic media continue to complicate these dynamics, creating opportunities for engagement while also exposing the institution to heightened scrutiny. This study contributes to understanding how surveillance functions as both a mechanism of power in elite institutions and also illuminates the relationship between observation, secrecy, and authority in both historical and contemporary contexts.