I’m taking a Reign Check on the Monarchy

I’m not a monarchist,” wrote the Labour activist Tom Bowell, “but I’m a patriot, I love this country, I respect our institutions and I always carried a deep respect for the Queen. For most of us, she was a constant in an ever-changing world.” That pretty much sums up my own feelings.

For years I have been convinced that the British monarchy is not as beneficial to us as we are led to believe.  Even though it is a constitutional monarchy and quite different to other monarchies throughout the world, I’ve always thought it to be outdated, out of touch, pointless and expensive.  Its hereditary principle means it is based on privilege and accident of birth.  By definition, it is not democratic, and could never reflect the experience of most British people. The successor to the throne will always take the crown regardless of his/her suitability, character, previous scandals etc.  I was never sure how it had benefitted the ordinary working person of this country. As much as the monarch and the royal family may try to understand economic and other hardships we face, they will never suffer them.  They are cushioned from the difficulties of economic pressures, health care availability etc. 

I have no idea how the monarchy would work as a kind of constitutional barrier against a dictatorship or a rogue Prime Minister.  I have no idea what the how much the monarchy and all the hanger-ons cost the taxpayer (though I read it cost us £100m in security alone), nor have I seen any accounts relating to costs versus income* generated (*e.g. through tourism, trade deals etc.).  

I have always struggled to get my head around the monarchy and the aristocracy in general.  I don’t understand the peerage and its relevance these days.  And I have no wish to understand the difference between a Duke, a Marquess, a Baron, an Earl, or a Viscount. All I know is, it stands for hereditary wealth and privilege and for me, it doesn’t sit easily in a modern democracy. The pomp and traditions have never offended me though.  They reflect our history and the development of the United Kingdom.  However, some of them seem unnecessary, bizarre, financially indulgent and slightly embarrassing – given we are trying to portray a modern, forward looking UK to the world.  Being British is about other things too. The Queen made some modernising changes but there is still a long way to go if the monarchy is to survive. 

I have to admit that I do have respect for, and even like some members of the Royal Family.  I think some have an impressive sense of duty and are intelligent and hard working. I have always had a soft spot for the Queen and our new King because I think they have substance, positivity and I think they are nice people. I suspect they work hard although how would we really know?

The recent death of our Queen has resulted in an outpouring of grief and affection here and abroad and like many people I have been glued to the telly, fascinated to listen to the reasons she meant so much to people.  I watched the many heartfelt tributes on news feeds and I have to admit to becoming quite emotional.  I saw more affection for King Charles and more confidence in his future rule than I expected.

Of course, the anti-monarchists will remain respectfully quiet for a while but they will resume their abolition campaign after the funeral.  That led me to wonder what a post monarchic state would be like.  If the monarch gets the boot, surely the House of Lords and all those with hereditary titles must also get the boot?  There would need to be a new elected head of state to meet and greet and make speeches whilst the Prime Minister does all the critical stuff. 

I have to wonder though, would this be any better and would it cost less than having a constitutional monarchy?  Would there be more risk of a Government being hijacked by a Hitler, Putin, or Trump?  How would our politicians foster that sense of national identity, unity and solidarity which many people feel the monarch helped to create?  If the monarchy is abolished, will people miss having a head of state that is independent of party politics and can represent the country regardless of short term political interests? Does it actually do that effectively anyway?

I do know the answers. I just cant get away from thinking the monarchy cannot be justified. That said, I wont be protesting in the streets. I am happy to leave it to the consensus of the British population. 

I feel sure the British monarchy is safe for a while at least. Both the main the political parties seem happy with the monarchy and even north of the border where republicanism is stronger, its easy  to see an Independent Scotland retaining a monarch. 

But I think King Charles has a big job to do to convince me and others that it should continue long term.  He is nowhere near as popular as the Queen.  He will need to prove that the monarchy is relevant and benefits people from all backgrounds, ethnic groups, religions and young people.  Hopefully, he will share the Queen’s undoubted qualities – intelligence, integrity, humility, grace and dignity but he will also have to show good judgement in promoting a modern and relevant monarchy and ensure that the Royals as a whole are good value for money.

To me, he certainly seems to have potential.  He seems to be more affable than the Queen, intelligent, insightful and innovative, and he has shown he is prepared to take on the modernisation of the monarchy. The Prince’s Trust is one of the most innovative and successful charities in modern Britain.  He has spoken out on architecture, the state of the environment, urban deprivation, and agriculture – which has sometimes landed him in trouble.  I have to say, I think many of his comments were justified. And I think he was ahead of the game when he campaigned on the benefits of organic production, spoke out on the dangers of climate change and pointed out mistakes in urban design and conservation.  As King, he will have to keep his personal views out of the public realm but I really hope he will take the opportunity to privately bend the ears of politicians and world leaders. We know he is good at rituals and ceremonies and will do his public duties impeccably.  But I if he becomes a Royal ‘robot’ and does not use his influence to effect changes for good, he will become pointless.

Finally, my thoughts are with the Royal family at this time. We know what they are going through. It makes you think of your own losses and all the wonderful people we’ve known who of course will never receive the same level of recognition.

Lily of the Valley, Queen Elizabeth II’s favourite flower