Queen Elizabeth II is a popular figure in the UK - but some British activists are hoping she will bring about the end of Britain. The monarchy is neither democratic nor transparent. What's more, it's costing taxpayers a lot of money.
British opponents of the Royal Family are hoping for an end to the monarchy following the reign of Queen Elizabeth II. The Queen will not be the last crowned head of state as her eldest son Charles will be king upon her death, said Republic's Graham Smith. "But it marks the end of the institution of monarchy as we know it. For most people, the monarchy and the queen are the same thing," Smith said. Hence the widespread view that once the Queen is gone, the monarchy will end, the activist claimed.
Smith pointed to polls showing that while support for the monarchy is more than 60 percent, it has declined significantly in recent years. "So we hope that the monarchy will be abolished during King Charles' reign."
If the polls were already falling at the time of the very popular Queen, support with Charles on the throne would fall even further. It is quite possible that approval will soon fall below 50 percent. Both the heir to the throne and his eldest son Prince William do not care about the people. "The chances of (William's son) George ever sitting on the throne are pretty slim."
The Royals critic emphasized that the Royal Family was neither democratically elected nor transparent. Yet it costs taxpayers hundreds of millions of pounds a year. Contrary to what advocates say, there is no economic equivalent. Of course, tourists would look at Buckingham Palace, for example. "They take photos that they would take of palaces or castles in France or Germany. It doesn't make a difference if the monarchy exists," Smith said.
Figures also show that the Tower of London is more popular than Buckingham Palace or the Queen's residence, Windsor Castle - "and the Royals haven't had anything to do with the Tower for a long time."
