When you think of Britain, many things come to mind. Is anyone thinking of fish and chips? Or maybe tea? Whatever your first thoughts were, it is likely that at some point, you thought of the Royal Family. Since 1066, Britain has had a monarch. Throughout that time, the monarchs have been greatly admired and have charged the country into wars, brought great prosperity to the country and even, in the case of Charles II, been relied on to fight fires. However, in a modern world with many different views, many have asked why Britain still has a Royal Family and what they do, with an ever-declining effect on society. Like things previously seen as British, such as terrible teeth and cucumber sandwiches, could the Royal Family also no longer play a role in British culture?
The British Royal Family cannot be seen as idyllic, based on their behaviour in recent times. Claims of racism by Prince Harry and Meghan Markle in an explosive Oprah Winfrey interview and the well documented allegations of sexual abuse against Prince Andrew are among many controversies that have left some mistrusting the Royal Family. Not only this, but people also wonder why the Royal Family are still relevant, with the government now making the majority of decisions. While the King can still stop a decision from happening, it is ill-advised and is an extremely rare occurrence.
Curious of people’s opinions, The Young Journalist Academy have asked people about their views on the Royals. One interviewee, who wished to remain anonymous, criticised the ‘poor’ message that the Royal Family gives to children. ‘What have they done to get into the position they are in today?’ he said, ‘nothing. Unlike politicians or judges or any other important figure, they have not had to work to be in such a good position. What have they done to get the chances they get? Free tickets to concerts, advertising deals, amazing houses, the list could go on all day. But the answer to what they have done will always be the same. They’ve been born into the right family.’ This interview is not a standalone, with many criticising the way that the Royal Family get much more than the rest of us for no clear reason. Among these is TikTok content creator, Birgit, who has 171,600 followers on the app. She told the 434,600 people who watched her Royal Family video that they should not care about Prince Charles cheating on his wife as ‘half of married people end up cheating on their spouse’. However, she reflected my interviewees annoyance at the luxuries the family are given, saying she was concerned about the cost of his May coronation ‘at the backdrop of a cost-of-living crisis’. So should the family have these luxuries when they seem to serve no clear role in society?
Many think yes, due to the money that they bring in for the British economy. Many visit London purely for the excitement of seeing royal landmarks such as Buckingham Palace and St Pauls Cathedral, site of the latest coronation and many before. The Royal Family also have a huge role in helping the environment and charity, with King Charles himself being hugely interested in helping the planet and Princess Anne being the patron or president of over 300 charitable organisations. It is also fair to say that the Royal Family have a huge following, with an average of 18.8 million people watching the coronation across 11 channels broadcasting it. Over 28 million people also tuned in a few months earlier for the Queen’s funeral, on the 19th September 2022, with channels that did not broadcast the funeral such as Channel 5, who played the Emoji Movie instead, receiving lots of criticism.
This shows that there are still millions who believe that, if nothing else, the Royal family still play a patriarchal role in society. A member of the public told me, ‘No-one can say to the millions of people who tuned in to watch the coronation their argument is wrong. Old people especially. Many gained the belief from parents, but I genuinely believe that while they may not do much, the Royal Family create a community spirit and united sense of love throughout Britain.’
This person was right, the Royal Family have become a symbol for Britain, and I think that no matter whether you believe the Royal Family is wrong or right, Britain can still say that they have a Royal Family, something many countries have lost through the years. We may say that they do not all get along, but at the end of the day, what family does? So grab a strong tea and a biscuit as, like the rest of Britain, you delve into the recent successes or hardships the Royals have experienced.
By Morti Yr9
Queen Elizabeth’s Grammar School, Alford
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Very well said, the Royals as individuals can not help being born into the institution, but they generally take advantage of the privilege and act for the good of the nation!
Long may it continue.