Anti-monarchy demonstrators rally against King Charles III and the British Royal Family in the United Kingdom.
In the heart of London, King Charles III found himself under fire from critics, most notably ex-Liberal Democrat minister Norman Baker, during an anti-monarchy rally in Trafalgar Square. Baker, addressing the gathering organized by Republic, branded the monarchy as "outdated" and a heavy drain on the public purse.
"I'm here because our monarchy, unlike other European monarchies, is hopelessly outdated," Baker declared to GB News. He argued, "Whether you're a republican or a monarchist, there's no defence for the public money spent on the monarchy."
Banners carried by protesters demanded the abolition of the royal family, and Baker plunged the dagger deeper with his assertion of escalating royal finances. "They got a 53 per cent increase this year," he disclosed, blaming former chancellor George Osborne's decision for this rise.
Baker didn't stop at direct costs, pointing out the monarchy's broader economic impact. He highlighted the Coronation, which could have cost up to £250 million, as an example of excessive spending.
The debate took a fiery turn when the group's CEO Graham Smith appeared on GB News, leading to a furious response from royal commentator Richard Fitzwilliams. Fitzwilliams defended the future King William's charitable activities, but Smith countered asserting, "It makes no difference to charity at all."
The ongoing financial controversy surrounding the royals involves more than just King Charles. Princes Andrew and Harry have also been entangled in controversies regarding their financial support and security costs, respectively[1][2][4][5]. These issues, coupled with the impact on the UK's royal tourism economy, amount to a stormy situation for the monarchy[1]. Whether the royal family can navigate these crises remains to be seen, given the strain they're placing on public funds and perceptions.
- The protest organized by Republic in Trafalgar Square saw Norman Baker, a former Liberal Democrat minister, criticizing King Charles III, labeling the monarchy as "outdated" and a significant financial burden on the public.
- Baker, addressing a commentator on GB News, argued that the monarchy, regardless of one's political stance, should not be exempt from scrutiny of public expenditure.
- The ex-Liberal Democrat minister emphasized that the royal family, including King Charles, faces criticism over escalating costs, such as a 53% increase this year, which he attributed to former chancellor George Osborne's decision.
- Baker further pointed out the monarchy's broader economic impact, using the Coronation as an example of excessive spending, potentially costing up to £250 million.
- The ensuing debate on GB News between Graham Smith, the group's CEO, and royal commentator Richard Fitzwilliams showcased contrasting views, with Smith questioning the significance of royal charitable activities in opposition to Fitzwilliams' defense.
- The financial controversies surrounding the royals transcend King Charles alone, with Princes Andrew and Harry also embroiled in issues related to their financial support and security costs, potentially intensifying the challenges faced by the monarchy in the world of politics, general news, war-and-conflicts, crime-and-justice, and royal tourism.
