Harry and Meghan’s exit must lead to reform of Royal family – GP Taylor

To me, it is also utterly ridiculous that the head of the State and Church of England should achieve their position by an accident of birth. There is no merit to their achievements other than being born into a very doubtful heritage.

Some may say that the monarch is just a figurehead stripped of any real power but, in reality, they still hold incredible influence over those who make the laws of the land.

It is well known that Charles loves to lobby Ministers about matters close to his heart. He has unlimited and immediate access to people in power. If he becomes King, he is likely to become even more deeply involved in day-to-day politics.

Admittedly, the Queen has done a very good job. She has served the country admirably – and with great dignity – whilst her assembled family have gone from one disaster to another.

Upon her death, sad as it will be, I would love to see the whole concept of monarchy go with her. Along with Brexit and Megxit, now is time for a new start.

Although, it is highly unlikely that Britain will ever be rid of the royals, a slimmed down monarchy would be a good thing. It currently costs £100m per year just for their security as well as the ‘Firm’ getting £83m per year despite Queen Elizabeth II being one of the richest people in the country. Some would say that the true cost to the taxpayer is in the region of £300m

The question has to be asked if the monarchy is still worth it?

One argument in favour of the Royal family is that they bring tourism to the country. However, when you look at the real figures, the amount is quite trivial. If you look at the numbers, it cannot be argued that they bring in more than they cost.

Would tourists stop coming to Britain to visit Windsor Castle and Buckingham Palace if these places were no longer occasionally lived in by the Queen and her family? I do not believe that the monarchy would be less of a draw if it was slimmed down to the top three. The rest could be pensioned off and never heard of again.

The historic argument is that Royalty brings political stability to Britain, but many countries seem to do well without a monarch. Those that do have a Royal family seem to manage keeping their profile to a minimum and only wheeling them out when needed.

A smaller monarchy would cost less, and be more tolerable, than the current circus members and their antics. Now is not the time and place to go into the scandals and problems of the Windsor’s recent past.

There is a sense that Megxit is dampening the public’s view on royalty as Harry and Meghan leave for Canada. The whole thing is becoming a very big soap opera that will, in the end, devalue the faith that British people have in the monarchy. There appears to be a sense that some members of the family want privilege without responsibility.

It is unthinkable in a modern world that an organisation based on a feudal concept should be allowed to continue in its present form. After all, their only value seems to be in fundraising for the many charities its members support – that and pseudo political functions

Charles himself is believed to want a slimming down of the Royals. If he lives long enough, he should be allowed to cut out the dead wood and present the
world with a new concept of royalty. It would be good if this could include a less
public role, without them clogging
up the pages of newspapers with
scandal, gossip and what clothes they are wearing for a second time to a public engagement.

This type of celebrity trivia does nothing to improve their image. All they become is actors performing on a worldwide stage, no different from the cast of Emmerdale or the Kardashians. It is for their sakes that the monarchy should undergo a revolutionary change at the end of Elizabeth’s reign.

Charles should muster the courage to dispense with the service of those not directly heirs to the throne. All funding for these people should stop immediately. But it’s more than just money. And the question has to be asked: do they fit in to a modern age? I have great doubts that, in its current form, the Royal family is fit for purpose.

GP Taylor is a writer and broadcaster from
North Yorkshire.