The Downward Trend of Monarchy Popularity in Britain: Public Opinion and Protests on the Coronation of King Charles III

Although the royal family remains popular in Britain, with ardent fans lining up to watch the procession days in advance, overall popularity is on the wane. A few days before the coronation of King Charles III, a new public opinion was published survey indicative of this downward trend.

Six out of ten Britons believe that the institution of the king should be preserved, while one in four Britons see the need for an elected head of state. Attitudes toward the monarchy vary most by age.

Young Britons are much less likely than their parents to support the preservation of the royal family.

Anti-monarchists calling themselves “republicans” staged a protest in central London, Trafalgar Square, on the day of the coronation. Members of the group held flags and placards reading “Abolish the monarchy” and “Not my king”. These phrases were also chanted by the gathered crowd.

Police had previously announced that they would have no tolerance for people who want to disrupt the festive day, prompting criticism that law enforcement officers are restricting freedom of expression. Several protesters, including the leaders of the anti-monarchist group, were detained by the police.

The main objections of the opponents of the monarchy are that it is not democratic. Also, the protesters are worried about the cost of the coronation events, as they are covered by the British budget, that is, from the taxpayers’ wallets.

“I hate the monarchy. I can’t stand it. It’s an archaic institution and we need to get rid of it,” said Brandon Hayes, an opponent of the monarchy.

“I don’t think monarchy is the best way to choose a head of state. Is birth the best way to choose a head of state?” expressed opponent of the monarchy Kevin John.

“I’m here to protest the monarchy because it’s undemocratic. They’re born there. It’s just weird when you think about it, it’s so weird and so wrong,” said anti-monarchy Peter Tatchell.

There has been a wide debate in Britain about whether a lavish ceremony is justified at a time when, due to the cost of living crisis, many people struggle to cover the basic costs of living – paying bills and buying food. Unofficial estimates of the cost of the coronation events are between £100 million and £250 million.

The other side of the coin is the belief that in order to earn money, it is necessary to spend it. The London Chamber of Commerce and Industry said the coronation was good news from an economic point of view. Bringing together thousands of people from the UK and around the world, the whole of London benefits, especially the hospitality industry.

According to the Chamber of Commerce and Industry, the biggest beneficiaries are bars, restaurants and hotels. Ahead of the ceremony, the coronation was expected to inject £350m into the industry.

CONTEXT:

The British Royal House announced on September 8, 2022 that Queen Elizabeth II of Great Britain has passed away at the age of 96. She died at Balmoral Manor in Scotland, where she spent the last weeks of her life.

Prince Charles, the eldest son of Elizabeth II, became the new King of Great Britain, Charles III.

Report a bug