Anti-monarchy sentiment in the UK is not a new phenomenon, but it has gained more momentum and visibility since the death of Queen Elizabeth II in 2022. Her dedication and decorum under all circumstances inspired affection despite the frequent misbehavior of the Royal Family.
The growing disaffection for the monarchy was made amply clear when the BBC received almost 900 complaints after airing a documentary that follows King Charles III in his first year on the throne.
The 90-minute special was produced by Oxford Films and premiered on December 26, a period that is generally viewed in the UK as the friendliest to the monarchy, with its evocation of Queen Elizabeth’s Christmas message.
Charles III: The Coronation Year, included behind-the-scenes footage of the King in a playful mood, including him joking about having “sausage fingers” with his son Prince William during rehearsals for the Coronation. The levity was not enough to find approval from the public.
The BBC is known for its traditional loyalty to the Royal Family, something that Republicans do not appreciate. It is not uncommon for the BBC to get complaints from viewers who feel that its royal output is not impartial. The corporation received a record 109,741 complaints over its wall-to-wall coverage of Prince Philip’s death in 2021.
In reply to the complaints, the BBC defended its documentary. “Charles III: The Coronation Year is a one-off observational documentary that covers a period of historical significance when the King took on new duties and prepared for the first Coronation in this country for 70 years. It has unique access and captures personal moments as the King adapts to his new role. Editorial control is retained by the BBC,” the BBC said.
Pointing to its diverse range of offerings, they added, “The BBC seeks to reflect a range of viewpoints in news and current affairs coverage of the monarchy. Earlier in 2023, when documenting the Coronation, Panorama on BBC One examined the structures and finances that surround the Royal Family and featured a newly commissioned poll about attitudes to the monarchy. On Radio 4, the Today programme had a debate on whether the UK needs a monarchy and The World This Weekend looked at its future.”
According to some polls, support for the monarchy has reached historical lows, especially among young people, ethnic minorities and Scots. The coronation of King Charles III in 2023 sparked protests and campaigns across the country, with slogans such as ‘#NotMyKing’ and ‘Abolish the Monarchy’. Some republican groups, such as Republic, have reported a surge in membership and donations since the Queen’s death. They have also called for a public debate on the future of the monarchy and a referendum on its abolition.
