Campaigners aiming for the abolition of the monarchy in the United Kingdom say they will launch a campaign to become a republic in the run-up to celebrations to mark Her Majesty’s 70 years on the throne.
The 95-year-old Queen is the world’s oldest and longest-reigning monarch. Her Majesty ascended to the throne on 6 February 1952 after her father, King George VI died. With her seventh decade as sovereign next month, Buckingham Palace has announced detailed plans for four days of celebrations for her Platinum Jubilee in June. While many are preparing for the celebration, an anti-monarchy group, Republic, says they will begin a ‘Not Another 70’ campaign to call for an end to the historic institution.
Republic CEO Graham Smith said: “While a vocal minority will want to celebrate the queen’s seventy year reign, we must all start looking to the future. The prospect of King Charles is not a happy one, and there is a good, democratic alternative on offer.
“It’s time to have a serious debate about our constitution, accept that Charles is not the best the country has to offer, and that as a nation we are quite capable of choosing our head of state.”
In a video posted by the BBC, Smith says the monarchy spends ÂŁ334m of taxpayer money a year. He went on to add that many travel to London for its historical sites and heritage, many of which will “be here when the monarchy is gone.”
Polls indicate the vast majority of people in Britain support the monarchy and The Queen herself is hugely popular. There is less support for her eldest son and heir to the throne, Prince Charles of Wales. Surveys do suggest there is a growing republican sentiment among younger Britons.
The palace has not commented on the matter.
