As a historical expert, I can provide a detailed account of the transition of power from the monarchy to other institutions in England. The question of when the royal family lost its power is a complex one, as it involves a gradual process of constitutional and political evolution rather than a single, definitive event.

The Magna Carta, signed in 1215 by King John, is often cited as a pivotal moment in the shift of power from the monarchy to a more constitutional framework. This document, which was initially a peace treaty between the king and rebellious barons, laid down principles that would later become foundational to the rule of law in England. It established the idea that the king was not above the law and that certain rights and liberties were fundamental and should be protected.

However, it is important to note that the Magna Carta did not immediately strip the monarchy of its power. The document itself was a product of a specific historical context and was not fully adhered to in its early years. Over time, its significance grew, and it became a symbol of liberty and justice. The principles it enshrined were gradually incorporated into English law, and its influence can be seen in the development of constitutional law in subsequent centuries.

The English Civil War (1642-1651) and the Glorious Revolution (1688) were also significant in the transfer of power away from the monarchy. The Civil War resulted in the execution of King Charles I and the establishment of a republic under Oliver Cromwell. This period highlighted the tensions between the monarchy and Parliament, and it demonstrated the growing power of the latter.

The Glorious Revolution saw the overthrow of King James II and the invitation of William III and Mary II to rule jointly. This event marked the end of the absolute monarchy and the beginning of a constitutional monarchy. The Bill of Rights (1689), passed by the English Parliament, further limited the powers of the monarchy by asserting the rights of Parliament and placing clear constraints on the king or queen's authority.

In the centuries that followed, the power of the monarchy continued to diminish as the role of Parliament and the judiciary became more prominent. The Reform Act of 1832 was a significant milestone in the democratization of the British political system, reducing the influence of the monarchy over the electoral process.

By the late 19th and early 20th centuries, the monarchy had largely become a ceremonial institution, with real political power residing in the hands of elected officials and civil servants. The Statute of Westminster (1931) further cemented the status of the British monarch as a figurehead, with legislative independence granted to the dominions of the British Empire.

In summary, the loss of power by the royal family in England was not a sudden event but a gradual process that unfolded over several centuries. The signing of the Magna Carta in 1215 marked the beginning of the end of absolutism in royal rule, but it was through a series of subsequent events and legislative acts that the monarchy's power was progressively limited and transferred to other branches of government.

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The monarchy basically started losing material power with King John of England signing the Magna Carta [1215], which led to the rule of constitutional law in England. Translation: the beginning of the end of absolutism in royal rule in England. This was just 149 years after the Norman Conquest under William I.read more >>