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The Debate: should Britain abolish the monarchy?

3 18
06.11.2025

LONDON, ENGLAND - MAY 5: (left to right) King Charles III, Queen Camilla, the Prince of Wales, Prince George, the Princess of Wales, Prince Louis and Princess Charlotte on the balcony of Buckingham Palace, London, to view the fly past featuring the Royal Air Force's Red Arrows and current and historic military aircraft, at the end of the military procession marking the 80th anniversary of VE Day, and in honour of those who served during the Second World War, on May 5, 2025 in London, England. Around 1300 members of the armed forces, including the Royal Navy, the Royal Marines, the British Army and the Royal Air Force, along with Commonwealth nations, Ukraine, and Nato allies are taking part in the military procession for Victory in Europe Day, which is celebrated each year on May 8, marking the day the Allies formally accepted Germany's surrender in 1945. (Photo by Aaron Chown - WPA Pool/Getty Images)

The disgrace of the former Prince Andrew has led some to question whether it’s time Britain abolished the monarchy altogether. Two experts make their cases in this week’s Debate.

No: Constitutional monarchy is a shield against instability and tyranny

The list of countries which retain a ceremonial constitutional monarchy contains many of the world’s most stable, least authoritarian and most tolerant nations: Denmark, Sweden, Norway, Belgium, the Netherlands, Luxembourg, New Zealand, Canada, Australia, Jamaica and so on.

This is no coincidence. Constitutional monarchy and the parliamentary system which it implies has historically shielded the countries fortunate enough to possess it from the instability and tyranny that is the frequent outcome of presidential systems. It may not be the result of rational planning,........

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