By Tony O’Reilly-
Nearly 200 protesters gathered in central London to voice their discontent during the King’s Speech at the State Opening of Parliament.
The demonstration, organized by the campaign group Republic, highlighted growing opposition to the monarchy’s role in contemporary Britain.
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There were loud boos from dozens of members of campaign group Republic as they chanted “not my king”, “what a waste of money”, and “down with the crown” when the King arrived in Whitehall in a carriage procession from Buckingham Palace.
This event followed the controversial arrests of six anti-monarchy activists ahead of King Charles III’s coronation earlier this year, for which Scotland Yard had previously expressed “regret.”
Republic, a well-known advocate for the abolition of the monarchy, asserts that the British monarchy is an outdated institution that has failed to evolve with the times.
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The organization was established in 1983 and defines itself as a “democratic group.” It passionately believes that the head of state should be elected rather than determined by bloodlines.
The group claims a membership of 80,000 individuals who identify themselves as republicans.
Republic is governed by an elected board of directors, which collaborates with the chief executive, Graham Smith. The board holds quarterly meetings to discuss campaign strategies and objectives.
Throughout its history, Republic has engaged in activism at various royal events, including the Diamond Jubilee celebrations in 2012, where dozens of protesters displayed banners reading “citizen, not subject” along the banks of the Thames.
During the Coronation of King Charles III, Republic organized a nationwide protest known as “Not My King.” However, this event drew criticism for the Metropolitan Police’s confiscation of their placards.
Graham Smith, the chief executive of Republic since 2021, is an outspoken activist who has been campaigning against the Royal Family for more than a decade. Smith’s dedication to the cause is evident in his book, “Abolish the Monarchy: Why We Should and How We Will,” in which he outlines the rationale behind his anti-monarchy stance.
Mr. Smith has consistently voiced his determination to continue the fight for a republican system, characterizing the arrests related to King Charles III’s Coronation as a “direct attack on democracy.”
The chief executive’s resolve and the momentum building behind Republic’s cause may indicate a challenging path ahead for the monarchy in modern Britain.
The recent protests and the broader movement led by Republic underscore the deep-seated divisions within the United Kingdom regarding the monarchy’s role, with some advocating for a more democratic, elected head of state.
The arrests and police actions have further intensified the debate over the monarchy, raising important questions about the future of the British monarchy in an ever-changing world.
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