For centuries, the British monarchy has been presented as a cornerstone of tradition, stability and national pride. But in 2025, with growing public scrutiny over royal spending, privilege, and political influence, more people are asking the question: Should the monarchy be abolished? And more importantly — shouldn’t the British people have a democratic say on whether to keep the Royal Family at all?
Outdated in a Modern Democracy
The monarchy is a relic of a bygone era — a system built on inherited privilege, not merit. In a modern democracy that values equality, accountability and transparency, the idea that one family is born into immense wealth and constitutional power simply because of bloodline feels fundamentally undemocratic.
While the Royal Family no longer rules directly, they still wield significant soft power and enjoy vast personal fortunes funded by taxpayers. The Sovereign Grant alone — which funds royal duties and lavish palaces — cost the public £86.3 million in 2023, with King Charles’ controversial palace renovations pushing costs even higher. In a time when millions are struggling with rising rents, energy bills and food prices, maintaining royal luxury feels deeply unfair.
The True Cost of the Royal Family
Supporters often claim that the Royal Family “brings in tourism” and therefore pays for itself. But this claim doesn’t hold up under scrutiny. Most tourists visit Britain for its history — Buckingham Palace, Windsor Castle and the Tower of London would still attract visitors even without a reigning monarch, just as Versailles does in France or Schönbrunn Palace in Austria.
Independent analyses have shown that the monarchy’s real cost far exceeds the official figures, especially when security, property maintenance and hidden subsidies are factored in. Estimates suggest the total annual cost to taxpayers may exceed £300 million. In contrast, the symbolic value the monarchy provides is intangible and, for many, no longer worth the price.
Accountability and Transparency
Unlike elected officials, the Royal Family operates under a veil of secrecy. They are exempt from the Freedom of Information Act, meaning the public has no right to see how their tax money is spent or how the royals influence government decisions. Documents have revealed that members of the Royal Family have secretly lobbied ministers on issues affecting their private estates — a clear conflict of interest.
Abolishing the monarchy would not mean erasing British history or culture; it would mean embracing accountability and democracy. Other countries that once had monarchies — like Italy and Greece — held referendums to let their citizens decide. Why shouldn’t the United Kingdom do the same?
The Case for a Royal Referendum
If Britain truly believes in democracy, then the question of the monarchy’s future should be put to the people. A national referendum would allow voters to decide whether they want to continue funding a hereditary institution or move toward a fully elected head of state.
Polls show a shifting tide. While older generations remain largely supportive of the monarchy, younger Britons are increasingly disillusioned. A 2024 YouGov survey found that fewer than one in three under-35s support keeping the Royal Family. Public opinion is changing — yet the public has no formal mechanism to express that change.
Time for Change
The monarchy may have once represented unity and continuity, but in today’s Britain, it represents division, inequality and privilege. The world has moved on — and so should we. Abolishing the monarchy and introducing a democratic vote on its future would mark a new era of fairness, transparency and true representation.
Britain should not be afraid to ask itself the question: Do we still need a monarchy? Democracy demands that we find out.