Demonstrators Opposing Monarchy Staged Presence at Trooping the Color Event
With bustling crowds, excited tourists, and die-hard royal fans eager to catch a glimpse, the yearly spectacle of Trooping the Colour was in full swing. Yet this traditional event was not without its share of controversy. Anti-monarchy group, Republic, boldly staged a small but powerful protest, waving yellow banners with their rallying cry - "Not my King," and chanting their slogans. This was their second showing at Trooping, having grown increasingly vocal at royal events since the ascension of King Charles.
According to Graham Smith, CEO of Republic, "This is the iconic royal event of the year when they come out on the balcony. And it's that balcony moment we're really here for...The whole point with all our protests is to disrupt this idea that we are all a nation of royalists."
Although not everyone in Britain adores the royal family, polling indicates that around 60% have a favorable view, and about 30% hold an unfavorable one. The younger generation, aged 18 to 25, appear more skeptical, with just over 40% holding a positive view, compared to nearly 43% with a negative stance. Notably, protester Dan, aged 40, sought a change to a political structure like Germany, where the head of state is elected in a ceremonial role. He articulated that "we need to head towards a fairer society...We’re trying to promote equality on behalf of the people...There are a lot of nations now who salute the flag and swear allegiance to the flag and the people and the country, and we just need to move to that model."
Despite the protests' peaceful nature, the crowd held mixed emotions. As protesters lined the Mall, many passersby countered with supportive shouts of "God Save the King" or "Long Live the King." A few showed their disapproval with gestures like raising their middle finger or boos.
As the Red Arrows roared overhead, the protesters, carrying their large, flashy banners declaring "Not My King" and "Down With the Crown," navigated through the cheering crowd, all the while the royals stood up on the balcony above.
Victoria Murphy, contributing editor at Town & Country, has been covering the British Royal Family since 2010. She has interviewed members of the royal family, served as a frequent contributor to Good Morning America, and authored the Town & Country book "The Queen: A Life in Pictures," released in 2021.
- Artists in society often use their work to comment on current events, such as the recent Trooping the Colour, with some developing pieces that challenge the role of the monarchy, like banners declaring "Not My King."
- Political discussions surrounding the British monarchy are not limited to dire-hard royal fans and anti-monarchy groups; even citizens like Dan, who travel to royal events, advocate for a political structure similar to Germany, where the head of state is elected.
- The world of travel brings people together for various reasons, including the annual spectacle of Trooping the Colour, yet it also serves as a platform for different political opinions and cultural perspectives to surface within the general news of the day, as seen with the recent protest during the event.
