The monarchy: what are its benefits and drawbacks?

The impending crowning of King Charles III has sparked new debate over the monarchy’s place in 21st-century Britain.

Supporters of the monarchy argue that it fosters a feeling of national identity and stability in the country, while opponents say it is an archaic institution that promotes elitism and inequality within British society.

Recent efforts to reform the coronation ceremony, such as the proposal to pay “Homage to the People,” have generated fresh discussion on the topic. The Guardian reports that readers’ responses to the demand to pledge allegiance to the King have ranged from “mild bemusement” to “plain disgust.” The feeling has been described by others as “plain disgust.”

Members of the royal family have been embroiled in a number of controversies over the past several years. The car crash of an interview Prince Andrew gave to Newsnight in 2019 only added fuel to the public relations fire started by his friendship with convicted child abuser Jeffrey Epstein. As far as interviews go, Prince Andrew’s was a total disaster. Another thing that keeps the monarchy on edge is Prince Harry’s seeming estrangement from other senior royals, especially his brother William.

The arguments for and against maintaining the centuries-old practise are summarised here.