When public opinion is particularly polarized, as it was following the end of the Franco regime, monarchs can rise above " mere" politics and " embody" a spirit of national unity.
From bento boxes to individually wrapped bananas, plastic reigns supreme in Japan. But amid global concern about single-use waste, new legislation could help end the country's love affair with plastic.
Reconciliation is the peaceful end to conflict, and we were reminded of this in August when countries on both sides of the first world war came together to remember in peace.
So General Joseph Votel says a defeat at its last stronghold in Syria won't mean the end of the terrorist group but that continued pressure on it will be necessary.