A Royal Future

In our fast paced and ever-changing society, we ask the question; Does the royal family fit into a modern society?

While support for the British royal family remains prevalent in the UK, research shows that over the past decade, numbers are climbing among the younger generation for calls to abolish the monarchy. 

There are many positives to the UK having a monarchy, and royalists can argue that the royal family is an important symbol of national identity, history, and tradition. The royal family is undoubtedly a huge draw for both domestic and international tourists, as it is estimated that the monarchy contributes around £550 million annually to the UK economy through tourism alone.

The royal family members are heavily involved in charity work, often visiting schools, hospitals and organisations to advocate for mental health and environmental issues, all while promoting British culture and strengthening international relations. 

However, being a public figure is not without its grievances. The royals have been linked to several scandals over the years, which spark backlash from the public, which in turn undermines the royal family. The scandals are sensationalised by the tabloids, which can distract and overshadow important events and political issues. 

The main criticism of the monarchy seems to be in relation to how public funds are spent to support it. In the 2023-2024 fiscal year, the Sovereign Grant, which is derived from taxpayer money, was approximately £107 million. This money covers royal costs including security costs, staff salaries, maintenance of royal residences and travel expenses.

The past few years have seen soaring inflation, wage stagnation and the steep rise in energy prices, which have left millions of British citizens on the brink of poverty. Yet right in the middle of one of the most severe economic crises the UK has ever seen, millions of taxpayers money was spent on the King’s coronation. An out of touch display showcasing the British monarchy’s enormous wealth, with estimated costs ranging from £50 million to more than £100 million.

As we desperately try to fund our struggling NHS, to pay our doctors and nurses in line with increasing inflation rates, and keep up with the hyper-increase of people relying on foodbanks to survive, the coronation left a bad taste in many mouths. 

So where does this leave us for the future of the British monarchy?

In order to fit in with a modern society, and keep support high, the royal family will need to make some changes. As it is the younger generation who are losing support for the monarchy, the royal members could begin to engage directly through social media, rather than relying on traditional media outlets for their messaging. This could allow the royal family to appear more relatable and share personal insights, which may gain the support of the public. Transparency and accountability are key factors in today’s chronically online world, and yet this is something the monarchy seems to continue to avoid. Of course privacy is incredibly important for the royal family’s security, however being more transparent, particularly in regards to their finances, could reignite public trust.