In its weekly voxpop the Advertiser heard people’s opinions on the monarchy — is it outdated, or a British icon?
The British monarchy has existed for over 1,000 years, and for many, they grew up admiring the royal family under the reign of Queen Elizabeth II and now King Charles III.
Janette Mayfield and Tasmin Jane. Photo by Iliffe Media
The majority of the people the Advertiser spoke to were in favour of the UK having a monarchy, highlighting the benefits it brings to the country.
Janette Mayfield: “I am 83 years old, and I have been brought up with royalty, with all the parties, the Jubilee and things like that.”
Daniel Higgings said that he likes the idea of the monarchy and it “makes England what it is”.
“The monarchy can’t be that bad, everyone in the world wants to visit England because of the monarchy, so if we abolish that, we don’t really have anything that stands us out and separates us from everybody else” he said.
Daniel Higgins. Photo by Iliffe Media
Some people’s views had been affected by claims relating to the former Prince Andrew, now Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor’s links to disgraced sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. He has always denied wrong-doing.
Harry Coote said: “I think it brings a lot of revenue into the UK, I think, looking at everything that has happened recently, all families have had scandals at some point.
“This is horrendous what is going on, everything with Epstein, but at the end of the day, life will move on at some stage.”
Bridget Welch said: “I think we should keep the monarchy, they bring so much tourism into the country and it gives people something to look up to.”
Brian Jones, of Grimsby said that he doesn’t like the royal family, but wouldn’t want to abolish the monarchy.
He added: “I don’t agree with the fact that they are born in the right bed and then are in charge of everything, but at the same time, they do put the brake on some of our leaders’ excesses.”
Christine Sears, who was walking around Newark with her daughter Julia Sears that that she used to ‘really like’ the monarchy, but with everything happening at the minute and without the public knowledge of what goes on ‘behind-the-scenes’, she isn’t so sure about her support.
On the other hand, her daughter Julia added: “I love the monarchy, I don’t think that what happened in recent news will affect that and shouldn’t be a reason to abolish them.
“I think they serve a purpose and are fantastic for this country.”
Julia and Christine Sears. Photo by Iliffe Media
Friends Tom Smith and Richard Hutchinson shared the opinion that as former monarchy supporters, it is now time to ‘get rid of them’.
They called out on the royal family being exposed on different media outlets and how even though King Charles has reportedly received £45 million pay rise, emergency services vehicles, such as fire engines and ambulances, are still being charged to park.
Tom added: “We are meant to tighten our belts, but he has given himself a pay rise.
“It is time to get rid of them.”
Tom Smith and Richard Hutchinson. Photo by Iliffe Media
The Advertiser now asks its readers — Do you think it is time to abolish the monarchy or are they a must-have for the country?