English Civil War – Charles II assumes control of the Army An Act for Ordering the forces in the several countries of this Kingdom, printed Act of Parliament dated 1662, folio 26pp plus title. A subtle manoeuvre by the King whereby he actually took over the control of the Army which, as the Act states : ‘...ever was the undoubted Right of His Majesty and his Royal predecessors, Kings and Queens of England and that both or either of the Houses of Parliament cannot, nor ought to pretend to the same, nor can, nor lawfully may raise or levy any war offensive or defensive against his Majesty, his heirs or lawful successors and yet the contrary thereof hath of late years been practices almost to the ruine and destruction of this Kingdom...’ To this day, the control of the Armed forces of this country and the ability to declare war, remain with the Royal prerogative.