The coronation of Charles III and Camilla, Saturday May 6, will be broadcast worldwide. But the event is not unanimous: within the United Kingdom itself, a quarter of the population would like to abolish the monarchy.
Not all Britons will celebrate the royal coronation of Charles III and his wife Camilla on Saturday May 6 at Westminster Abbey. The ceremony will bring together 2,000 guests and will be broadcast worldwide. But among the subjects of his majesty, some turn away from this royal family, even contest it.
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From regular popularity surveys, the Crown is clearly not as popular anymore. Only 29% of Britons think the monarchy is ” very important” for the country. A historically low level, according to the National Center for Social Research which conducted this survey. Especially if we specify that 25% of them consider that it is useless and would like to see it abolished. Last year, the number of supporters of the Crown was 38%: we can clearly see an Elizabeth II effect.The Queen enjoyed a popularity rating that her son absolutely does not enjoy.
In the latest Yougov survey of the royal family, Charles III receives 55% favorable opinions, far behind his eldest son and therefore his successor, William and his wife Kate, even further from his elder sister, Princess Anne.
If we paint the robot portrait of the fan of the new monarch, it is rather a woman over 60, conservative and who voted in favor of Brexit. Conversely, his popularity is low among pro-Europe young men. Overall, the royal family suffers from a disaffection on the part of those under 30. Who, at best, have no interest in Buckingham at all and at worst, hope for the end of the monarchy.
In the crowd on Saturday in London, there will also be protesters
The members of the Republic collective want, as their name suggests, to get rid of the royal family. Since the beginning of the year, they have decided to be heard. At each official exit of the king, they are there, few but noisy. With yellow signs and sweatshirts of the same color, they shout and brandish their slogan “ Not my king !” ( “Not my king!”)
Graham Smith, leader and organizer of this movement, has well-rehearsed formulas: ” We do not want a coronation but an election. We don’t want Charles but a choice. We don’t want a monarchy but an elected head of state.” Around him, a few joyful and disciplined demonstrators. Placed behind barriers, they greet the arrival of the royal couple with their rallying cry. No overflow, no insult. Everything happens calmly, under the watchful eye of the police, with whom the exchanges are polite and cordial. This does not prevent the determination of Lucy who has just joined Republic. ” The monarchy in this country is obsolete today. They’re not worth the money they’re costing us.”
“No one would vote for them if they ran for office. I have no respect for people like that.”
Graham Smith, leader of the ”Republic” collectiveat franceinfo
For the Queen’s funeral, Republic did not demonstrate, respecting the mourning of the family and the Nation. But Republicans also failed to hold a Platinum Jubilee rally in June last year. The United Kingdom was celebrating 70 years of reign of Elizabeth II, which nevertheless looked like a perfect opportunity to be heard. Graham Smith half-acknowledges that the Queen had become untouchable, indisputable, and that the demonstrations against her were counterproductive. It’s different today. ” It’s easier to challenge Charles because he didn’t inherit the deference and respect given to the Queen. And he has a lot more to justify on financial matters in particular. He received huge sums of money from politicians in Qatar. He paid no tax on the inheritance he received.”
Saturday, May 6, Graham Smith and Republican activists will be in Trafalgar Square, in the middle of the crowd, with the aim of making as much noise as possible as the carriage that will transport the king and queen passes.
The royal family appears weakened since the disappearance of Elizabeth II
At the forefront of grievances against this institution, its cost. According to an official figure, just under 100 million euros of public money is allocated to the Windsors over a year. But Republic activists speak of 391 million euros, because they include tax exemptions and all the benefits provided by the state. In a country devoured by inflation and where the cost of living is currently the main subject, these expenses go badly. The institution seems old-fashioned, expensive and outdated, stuck in traditions that some consider ridiculous. One of Charles III’s challenges was to modernize it.
There is the sometimes painful past that also goes back. Like the direct links established between the royal family and slavery. There are the criticisms made by Harry and his wife Meghan, the couple exiled in the United States. Sometimes ridiculous family psychodrama but also accusations of racism within the institution itself, a much more serious subject. The Commonwealth is in full disintegration, with countries like Jamaica or New Zealand seriously asking themselves the question of leaving this weakened group and whose interest we no longer really understand. In fact, these topics have been on the table for years but the personality of the Queen was enough to stifle them. This is no longer the case.