Richard Cromwell's government existed in name only, never in fact.
During his so-called Protectorate the country was under the control of
the army of the Commonwealth or of that "Rump Parliament" which
represented nothing but itself.
The period which elapsed after Oliver Cromwell's death was one of
waiting and preparation. It ended in the meeting of the free national
Parliament, which put an end to the republic, and restored royalty in
the person of Charles II.