Celebrating Royal and Parliamentary Leadership
The Leys to feature in centenary project celebrating royal and parliamentary leadership
The Leys School, Cambridge has been selected to appear in a new publication entitled Monarchy and Democracy: A History of Leadership.
An official History of Parliament project, the landmark book is being produced in partnership with leading publisher St James’s House and will be launched on 9 June 2026 in the grounds of Westminster Abbey, London.
Written by a team of prominent academics and award‑winning authors, including royal experts Robert Jobson, Russell Myers and Katie Nicholl, the fully illustrated hardback explores the evolving roles of the Crown and Parliament in shaping leadership across the UK and the Commonwealth. It charts key constitutional developments, from the Act of Settlement of 1701 through to the profound political and social changes of the past century.
The publication also profiles a carefully selected group of organisations invited to take part in the project in recognition of their alignment with its themes of leadership, governance, education and contribution to public life.
Dr Clare Ives, Head of The Leys, said: “We are pleased for The Leys to be included in Monarchy and Democracy: A History of Leadership. As a school, we place great importance on developing thoughtful, principled young people who understand the responsibilities that come with leadership. Engagement with projects of this kind encourages reflection on the institutions, values and civic frameworks that have shaped our society, and on the roles today’s leaders, in education and beyond, play in sustaining them.”
Dr Jennifer Davey, Director at the History of Parliament Trust, said: “The book not only explores the history and evolution of UK and Commonwealth governance and the shift to a constitutional monarchy, but also profiles a selection of organisations invited to join the project based on their relevance to the themes of leadership, innovation, sustainability and governance.”
Stephen van der Merwe, Group Director at the SJH Group, added: “Through in-depth interviews with the leaders of organisations featured in the book, Monarchy and Democracy offers a compelling first-hand perspective on how leadership is being shaped across areas including education, governance, enterprise and civic life.”
The publication’s launch will coincide with the London Press Club Summer Garden Party, attended by more than 300 senior figures from the UK media, and will include a tribute marking the life and legacy of Her late Majesty Queen Elizabeth II.
Available in both print and digital formats and distributed on a controlled-circulation basis, Monarchy and Democracy: A History of Leadership will reach key political, institutional and educational audiences in the UK, Europe and across the Commonwealth, supported by a complimentary digital edition.