The Monarchy is no doubt an institution in England and the rest of the UK (and sometimes abroad in Commonwealth countries). Many people adore it, saying that it’s part of our cultural makeup and brings in huge tourism income (and the alternative of a President would be unthinkable).
Others believe that to be ruled over someone, just because of them being born ‘with a silver spoon’ in their mouth (and run by the head of a Church that sometimes has less morals than the rest of us) is no way to run a country.
The financial argument is also often pooh-poohed, as the combined incomes from the Duchy of Lancaster and Cornwall, outweighs the oft-used argument that the tourism income is more (if you factor in these two tax-free incomes which are huge and sometimes take rent from the NHS), in fact we lose income.
How Many People Support the Monarchy?
If you watch the news or read newspapers, you would be forgiven for thinking that nearly everyone supports the Monarchy. In fact, it’s pretty equal. Around 50% either way, with way more young people not supporting a monarchy at all.
One reason why people loved Queen Elizabeth II was not really because she was a monarch. But because most people had grown up with her almost as ‘the nation’s granny’. She didn’t air her laundry in public, and was one of the last examples of an age where she provided a stability, no matter what happened in life.
You may remember when Princess Diana died, she was criticised for not coming out to talk to the media (while people who never met the young princess wailed in the streets). The Queen just remained quiet (despite the media going for her). And it later turned out she was simply taking the time to comfort her young grandsons, rather than be bulled by media into doing what they wanted.
The recent furore with Meghan and Harry is not so much to do with whether they are royal or not. But more than after first ‘eloping’ to live in a life of peace in Canada with their young son (everyone sympathised), they then have spent years selling their stories to the highest bidder. Now most people have lost sympathy.
Criticism of the Monarchy
Obviously everyone can see that most members of the Royal Family are decent people (the Duchess of Kent who had suffered depression, would give out the Wimbledon trophies then go off to her volunteer work as a Samaritan).
But the institution itself has attracted criticism. At a time when many people can’t afford heating and eating, watching taxpayer money be used to fund incredible wealth and property sticks. And as mentioned above, the combined incomes from the Duchies of Lancaster and Cornwall means that the Royal Family receive huge untaxed income on top.
Although King Charles would never take advantage of his powers, he still has some powers that are quite scary. He could pardon serial killers (and himself of any crime), and dissolve Parliament if he didn’t like it. After a whole country had elected someone of their choice. He could also drive over the speed limit without a license, and not get fined.
The Future of the Monarchy
Some suggest reforms like a ‘bicycling monarchy’. This basically means reducing funding to just a few members and less of it. Others want more transparency, like having the Monarchy publish how much money they receive from us, and what they use it for. This would go to heal some resentment from those who struggle, and see others live lives that are so lavish, they need not really live like that.
Such wealth does not also sit well with the general public. Recent in Spain, the Royal family were pelted with mud by members of the public, who had lost their relatives (including children and dogs) in the tragic floods. Some say it was because they were accompanied by politicians, who they feel had not given them fair warning.
The History of England’s Monarchy
Our royal family started hundreds of years ago, and up until the reign of Henry VIII, was staunchly Roman Catholic. However, when he wanted a divorce, he banned the Catholic church (many monks and nuns were killed) and replaced the Pope with himself as head of what is now the Church of England.
Today the monarch still is ‘defender of the faith’ yet still practices some antiquated practices (Catholics can marry into the monarchy but can’t practice the faith). And the family still runs along ‘bloodlines’ (it’s unlikely children would be adopted, it’s all about ancestry). While the rest of society has moved on, and treats adopted children as of much worth as any others.
How Much Does the Monarchy Cost?
Our monarchy costs around 10 times more than similar (smaller) monarchies in Europe (the 20-year Netherlands heir princess recently turned down a hefty income as she did not feel comfortable accepting it).
Our monarchy costs around £90 to £120 million each year, and also the royal family receives a lot more (non-taxed) income from two inherited estates (the Duchies of Cornwall and Lancaster). Prince William now owns a third of Dartmoor, and environmentalists are not happy at ‘small potatoes’ plans to rewild just a tiny area.
Our frequent floods are made worse by flattening peat bogs (for grouse shoots – pheasants also cause road accidents and eat endangered sand lizards, due to being over-bred). Yet King Charles, Prince William and Princess Kate all attend grouse hunts, seemingly unaware of the issues.
The royal family owns around 250,000 acres (outside 600,000 acres of crown estate) with environmentalist Guy Shrubsole saying if this was the same for everyone, England would be owned by just 250 people. Many people want parts of the Crown Estate (often used for golf courses) to be given over to provide free outdoor space like public parks in inner cities. This could reduce NHS costs due to better mental health, walkable communities and fresh air.
Graham Smith (who works for the organisation Republic) writes that if you compare the income given with tourism income, then it is good value. But when you add on the huge (untaxed) income from the duchy estates, the figures change considerably.
Knowing that most people still want a monarchy, it advocates a fixed annual budget (with an annual salary for the King) and income from both Duchies to be subject to corporation tax (and for the royal family to pay inheritance tax, like anyone else). On his mother’s death, King Charles inherited £650 million which could have raised £200 million inheritance tax – enough to build, fund and staff a brand new hospital.
No Need for Bearskins for Guards
At least one bear dies for each hat made for guards at Buckingham Palace. The pelts are sold to the palace from Canada, where the creatures are hunted, with cubs left for dead. A petition with over 100,00 signature was debated in Parliament in 2022, but nothing has changed.
Faux fur alternatives are readily available, and the MoD could work with experts to come up with a solution. Italy and Sweden use faux fur for official ceremonies, so why not us? Queen Elizabeth II gave up wearing fur a few years before her death, so changing the guards’ hats to faux fur, would be a fitting tribute.
Protecting the Royal Family, I am protecting what it means to be British. Wearing the skin of a dead bear on my accomplishes none of that. Ornamental hats born of needless bloodshed are a sign of weakness – and that is not British. A royal guard
