“The British monarchy must be modernized to survive” – ​​rts.ch

Celebrated as the first star on Thursday during the four-day celebrations in London, Elizabeth II has dedicated her entire life to the monarchy. Since the coronation of the Queen in 1953, the company has experienced many ups and downs, including unity and stability, which had to be transformed and developed. Seventy years in particular were marked by the gradual disintegration of the British Empire.

Elizabeth II still rules 15 countries, the landmarks of the old empire, where she retains the status of head of state: Canada, Australia, New Zealand and a dozen island nations, mainly located in the Pacific and the Caribbean. He is the co-chair of all Commonwealth countries, a total of 54 states, and almost all former British colonies.

Map of Commonwealth regions and countries. [Géopolitis – RTS]

There is a real crisis within the Commonwealth.

In recent decades, many former colonies, such as Pakistan in 1956 and South Africa in 1961, have severed ties with the Crown. Most recently, the Republic of Barbados began its transition to power last year. “Out of the 15 kingdoms of the Commonwealth, there are 6 countries that want to become republics”, Geopolitics Naïma Maggetti, expert on the British Empire at the University of Geneva. “There is a real crisis within the Commonwealth. We can see it through the recent voyage of the Duke of Cambridge and the Duchess to the Caribbean. This voyage was planned as an attractive attack, but it ended in disaster.

Duke and Duchess of Cambridge greet residents of Kingston via fences. [CHRIS JACKSON / POOL / GETTY IMAGES – Reuters]In Jamaica, protesters have demanded that the royal family apologize for their involvement in the slave trade during colonial times. A series of photographs showing royal couples greeting Kingston residents through fences has also caused controversy. “Because it reminds me of this division between the colonialists and the colonialism of the former British Empire,” Naima Magetti continues. In Belize, the couple had to cancel their visit due to hostility from some locals.

Prince Charles’ tour of Canada was not very successful. The lust for the crown is at its lowest ebb.

The celebrity in the United Kingdom is also half mast

Elizabeth II is still as famous as ever, but Prince Charles, the heir to the throne, is far from inspiring the same enthusiasm of his mother. According to a recent report, the overall monarchy can still count on the support of 60% of the British Poll published by the Guardian. However, “especially in Scotland, there is a real decline in the popularity of the monarchy, where only 45% of those interviewed want to maintain the company,” notes Naima Magetti. This support drops to 40% among 18-24 year olds. The desire for independence in Northern Ireland and Scotland also threatens the unity of the kingdom.

Subsequent scandals also tarnish the company’s reputation. And recent cases are not so much a phenomenon. Prince Andrew, who has been charged with sexual abuse of minors, was stripped of all his titles and given no official role. Prince Harry and his wife Megan, who left the country and the state agency, accused some family members of racism.

Is modernization happening?

“Windsor is a white, privileged family, and transcends the new paradigms of society that promote diversity and equality,” said Naima Magetti. “I think the monarchy should really try to modernize to survive,” he says. At this point, he cites several current projects. Reducing staff, especially those working for the royal family, and reforming the policy of communication, which is gradually moving away from the Queen’s famous motto “Never complain, never explain” (never complain, never explain yourself).

“Charles and William must show that they are the unifying force of the monarchy,” Naima Magetti continues. “They should also promote the policy of including ethnic minorities in senior positions in the royal family. I think they should also review the system of respect to eliminate any further connection with the heritage of the British Empire.”

Nevertheless, the historian did not predict the fate of the British monarchy in the future. “It’s not going to happen overnight. It’s going to be a huge parliamentary process. It’s really going to unravel thousands of years of history.”

Melanie Ohio