Graham Smith, CEO of Republic, told Express.co.uk that the UK would be “better off” without the monarchy and should not be trapped in a “fantasy” of what the past used to look like. Republic is an organisation that campaigns for the abolishment of the monarchy and for the Queen to be replaced by a democratic, elected head of state.
Mr Smith said: “Fundamentally we are democrats, we have made that abundantly clear in the last few years.
“People see themselves as citizens, they want control of their politics and their futures, our constitution and head of state should reflect that.
“It should not be trapped in some weird fantasy of what our past used to be.”
He added: “We would be better off without the monarchy for a number of reasons.
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“Firstly, it gives us an opportunity to reform our constitution so that we have an effective independent state that can navigate these big constitutional issues.
“It can rebalance power between Parliament and people and it can put the principles of democracy at the core of our constitution.
“At the moment we always compromise those principles by having to make room for this hereditary institution.
“The institution itself does not live up to the standards we would expect in public life.”
And Mark Easton, the BBC’s Home Editor has previously defended the monarchy, stating: “The British monarchy is valued because it is the British monarchy.
“We are an old and complicated society that yields a deference to the theatrical show of society.”
Meanwhile, the Royal Family maintains the monarchy is a vital facet of British life because the Sovereign “acts as a focus for national identity, unity and pride; gives a sense of stability and continuity; officially recognises success and excellence; and supports the ideal of voluntary service.”
According to the official Royal Family website: “Although The Sovereign no longer has a political or executive role, he or she continues to play an important part in the life of the nation.
“As Head of State, The Monarch undertakes constitutional and representational duties which have developed over one thousand years of history.
“In addition to these State duties, The Monarch has a less formal role as ‘Head of Nation’.
“The Sovereign acts as a focus for national identity, unity and pride; gives a sense of stability and continuity; officially recognises success and excellence; and supports the ideal of voluntary service.”
