(Twenty-minute read)

Before you read this post I wish to make it clear that I am not a Royalist.

I have nothing against the Royals it is the institution that they represent the Firm as it is called is the problem.

Where to start.

With the 41-gun salute, the pealing of the bells of Westminster Abbey, the  ‘Changing of the Guard’, all disguises the fact that a hierarchical, secretive, non-accountable regal “firm”, the membership of which is far from representative of the diverse pluralistic society of which England now is.

Or

The British monarchy traces its origins from the petty kingdoms of early medieval Scotland and Anglo-Saxon England, which consolidated into the kingdoms of England and Scotland by the 10th century.

These day looking from the outside at this institution what does one see.

Certainly not an institution sanctified by 1,000 years of Sovereignty deeply embedded in the consciousness of the nation and closely woven into the fabric of political life.

I call it a £6.5 million colonial pomp circus, ripping the great unwashed off, in a UK that is falling apart.

There is no need for titles to live in the world.

An enlightened culture is one that does not rely on inherited traditions, authorities and social structures.

The fact that the Queen who earns billions for Britain every year in tourism is like the monarchy in Spain, The Netherlands, Belgium, Denmark, Sweden, Norway, et cetera, largely “irrelevant to the political process”

After weeks of royalism overload, there is an argument for the Queen to retire rather than cling on.

Once again we are witnessing a small part of one of the big stories of the past 30 years — the gradual but nonetheless significant transformation of the British monarchy as it turns to face the modern world.

It is becoming more and more apparent that the monarchy is at odds with modern Britain.

For instance, several of the children of the current monarch have been divorced (and some remarried) which back at the start of Queen Elizabeth’s reign in 1952 would have been unthinkable.

Since the UK is now not only a multi-racial but also multi-faith country, it would be entirely possible for a future sovereign to marry a member of any religion or none, the only stipulation being that the monarch must be, and remain, a member of the Church of England.

Putting aside Andrews fall from grace and now Harry with his young family and wife wanting to live an ordinary life surely in this day and age it is absurd that under the Act of Settlement (1701), no Catholic, no one born out of wedlock and no person who has been adopted is allowed to ascend the throne.

Her Majesty’s actual rights as a Queen are only three:

• The right to be consulted by the Prime Minister.
• To encourage certain courses of action.
• To warn against others.
• However, her duties are far greater than her rights.

The much-admired sense of duty of the Monarch will die when the present queen dies.

A country that after Brexit that will need a written constitution.

Of course, you have the argument from the other side.

They symbolize the nation. The biggest remnant of the colonial era.

All of UK culture and history is built around the institution of the Crown so it must remain as a Unifying symbol.

Take that away and you’d completely alter the whole nature of the nation.

Most people think the monarchy is a unifying national institution than one that divides the country and reinforces the class system.

They are seen as inoffensive objects around which the people can rally.

So where’s the harm?

For now, nobody sees the British form of government as broken but the royals become less relevant with each generation.

Despite complaining they don’t have privacy, they’re quite happy to invite the cameras to their wedding, or after the birth of a child, and give (soppy) interviews about how stressed they are. They are able to call the shots on this because they are not challenged for their position, and are therefore able to dictate the terms of the interview/photo shoot. They get endless money too to fund their PR campaign.

It seems that every member of the royal family curiously ends up being selfless and dutiful …. what a coincidence.

So the question is can the UK never truly let go of its colonial past with a royal family.

The first step in finding a solution lies in “emancipating themselves from the mental habits of royalism

Unfortunately, the UK monarchy carries too many symbols of power.

This is the 21century there is no need for a ceremonial mace that appears in parliament and council meetings…

The House of Lords made up of hereditary Peers.

Claiming public money while being public unaccountable barley recognises that it is the 21st century.

The House of commons.

It’s pure theatrics, the debate is not far off from pantomime either, one guy speaks and the opposite side simultaneously jeers like a crowd of schoolboys.

So why exactly are the vast majority in favour of the monarchy in this age of democracy?

Has the Queen brainwashed the entire nation?

Some time ago Prince Charles, the heir to the throne, said that wished to become ‘Defender of Faiths’ on becoming king in order to reflect Britain’s multicultural society.

In 2018 he altered this to ‘Defender of Faith’ but this move would still mean the monarch, as Supreme Head of the Church of England, would no longer be known as Defender of The [Christian Protestant] Faith for the first time since the reign of Henry VIII.

So if he makes it to King will the coronation oaths take into account that Christianity is not now the only faith in Britain?

In this age of political apathy, I suspect few would give two hoots.

Therefore if he is not defending the faith, doesn’t rule and has no say designating the institution of monarch inheritance to the face of the nation as a tourist attraction is the right move.

But as the Queen reigns and there isn’t much practical point getting rid of the institution before then.

Monarchs aren’t just remnants of an old tradition or figureheads propped up by the government.

God save our gracious Queen!

Long live our noble Queen! 

God save the Queen! 

Send her victorious, 

Happy and glorious, 

Long to reign over us, 

God save the Queen.

The British National Anthem dates back to the eighteenth century.

The importance of full democracy is often overplayed. More democracy doesn’t necessarily mean more prosperity.

Politics would gain little from the inauguration of a President other than an extra layer of bureaucracy, and important decisions would still be made by today’s political elite till they are replaced by King Algorithm. 

As for the future, the Queen’s death could make a big difference to attitudes improving Britain’s image around the world.

All human comments appreciated. All like clicks and abuse chucked in the bin.