Britain’s Prince Harry and his wife, Meghan Markle, have agreed to stop using their royal titles and give up their official duties in order to have more freedom to live their lives on their own terms. The couple is seeking more independence than the queen will allow and therefore leaving their official roles as senior members of the royal family. Listen to hear more about the terms of this unusual break in royal tradition and learn how the British public is responding.
Story Length: 3:59
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August 19, 2019
3:33
Boris Johnson was recently elected the new prime minister of the United Kingdom. His first challenge will be to withdraw Britain from the European Union, which is required under a referendum voted by a slim majority of citizens in 2016. This is a difficult and controversial issue, commonly referred to as “Brexit.” Johnson is a distinctive and divisive figure. Some British citizens like and believe in him, while others find him unlikable, incompetent, and even dangerous. Listen to learn more about this new British leader and what he promises to do as prime minister.
Read MoreMay 13, 2019
3:37
At 85, after reigning for three decades, Emperor Akihito of Japan is the first to step down from the throne in over two hundred years. In 1989, he was the first emperor to rise to the throne as a symbolic leader without political power under a U.S.-drafted constitution. Listen to hear how his departure has prompted reflection on his reign, what made it uniquely modern, and how it upheld some traditions and broke others.
Read MoreAugust 23, 2016
1:34
A Japanese emperor hasn't voluntarily stepped away from the throne in nearly 200 years. In a televised speech, the current Japanese leader, Emperor Akihito, hinted that he may step down. He talked about his failing health and his difficulty in keeping up with his duties. Changing the Japanese law would be a break from tradition, as Japan has the world's longest-running hereditary monarchy: 2,600 years. Listen to hear more about the Japanese monarchy and tradition.
Read MoreJune 27, 2016
6:09
The European Union is a political and economic partnership of 28 countries that’s been in place for more than four decades. In what has been named “Brexit,” the United Kingdom voted by a slim margin to exit the EU. The Prime Minister, David Cameron, campaigned to stay in the EU and stated that leaving would be disastrous for Britain. He is now announcing his resignation. Those who voted to leave the EU stated resentment about immigration, as well as economic and cultural costs of belonging to the EU. Listen to hear more about the economic repercussions as well as political effects of this decision.
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