IS MAINTAINING THE MONARCHY BENEFICIAL TO THE UK?

By Mukund Soni

The British Monarchy has been the subject of intense debate in the last few decades. As democracy evolved and equality and freedom increased, many question whether maintaining a monarchy is befitting for a forward-thinking democracy such as the UK.  In this article, I will attempt to answer this question, analysing the advantages and disadvantages of having a monarchy. 

One of the greatest benefits of having a monarchy in the UK, some say, is that it is good for the economy. While it does cost £257 million every year, it also contributes £1412 million to the economy, and so, is actually profitable for the UK overall. Furthermore, brands worn and endorsed by the royal family result in greater consumption, further increasing the UK’s GDP. However, many Republicans say that, regardless of the net economic gain, they would still prefer not to have taxpayers’ money spent on royal engagements, but would prefer it to be spent on the public.

The monarchy also makes up a large part of British tradition. The UK is famous for its queen – in fact, the royal family is part of all aspects of the United Kingdom – on its coins and notes, in the names of political institutions such as Her Majesty’s Treasury, and even in its national anthem and name itself. To change this would unnecessarily be too mammoth a task, and is not required, Monarchists say. Many come to the UK to see the royal palaces, and experience life under a constitutional monarchy, relatively rare and unique in the 21st Century. This belief, however, is not held by all. Many believe that the monarchy now holds such little power in the UK that it is irrelevant, and should not therefore be such a large part of British life. As for the, “Unnecessary…mammoth…task”, change is a large part of democracy, and should be embraced, rather than feared. Furthermore, in regard to the monarchy making the UK famous, they say, surely the UK would rather be known for its achievements and progress rather than its political structure.

The final argument given by Monarchists is that maintaining a monarchy establishes a sense of patriotism and national unity that is not felt under a Constitutional Presidency. For example, in both WWI and WWII, millions of British soldiers fought for ‘King and Country’, a huge propaganda campaign.  Living under a monarch during times of political instability also gives the public security, and promotes a positive outlook, they say. On the other hand, Republicans point out that Britain is no more unified than Republican countries, but in fact has its own separatist campaigns within it, such as the Scottish independence movement, which led to a referendum being held only 6 years ago. Furthermore, many do not actively participate in royal events, and the much more diverse modern UK holds a much less patriotic notion towards the Royal Family. The fact that the right to rule is passed by birth also brings up the rise of dissent and division amongst society in its views towards the Royal Family, and its legitimacy, they say.

In conclusion, there are a range of different views and arguments supporting and opposing the monarchy as head of state. For now, however, with over ¾ supporting the monarchy (see below), it seems that the public are proud to have a monarch, and that the British Monarchy will continue to remain as the Head of State for the foreseeable future.

Sources:

The Oak of Great Britain (2017), Why the Monarchy is important and beneficial to the UK [online]. Available from: https://theoakofbritain.wordpress.com/2017/11/08/why-the-monarchy-is-important-and-beneficial-to-the-uk/ (Accessed 20/02/2020)

Howard, V. (2017), 8 reasons constitutional monarchy is the best form of government [online]. Available from: https://thecrownchronicles.co.uk/explanation/why-constitutional-monarchy-is-the-best-form-of-government/ (Accessed 20/02/2020)

BLOGFACTORY, Should Britain abolish the monarchy? [online]. Available from: https://blogfactory.co.uk/2019/09/05/should-britain-abolish-the-monarchy/ (Accessed 20/02/2020)

Republic, Monarchy Myth Buster [online]. Available from: https://www.republic.org.uk/what-we-want/monarchy-myth-buster  (Accessed 20/02/2020)