Patrick Thelwell: Anti-Monarchist Will Attend Protests.

Patrick Thelwell 23 threw eggs at Charles and Camilla in York last November. The self-proclaimed anti-monarchist was sentenced to carry out 100 hours of unpaid work. Mr. Thelwell was ordered to pay costs of 600 Pounds and 114 Pounds as a surcharge.

Mr. Thelwell has accused the King of being a paedophile because allegedly he was a friend of the late Jimmy Savile.

Now with the looming coronation of Charles upon us, there will be anti-monarchist demonstrations. These demonstrations will be led by 'Republic' a group committed to overthrowing and abolishing the monarchy. The group has called for anti-monarchists up and down the country to attend protests on Saturday.

Mr. Thelwell said he is attending the protests on Saturday as Charles III is crowned. Mr. Thelwell said to come with 'Not My King' banners and wear the colour yellow. Presumably, yellow is the colour chosen as an anti-monarchist hue. However, Mr. Thelwell added a footnote that under no circumstances bring any eggs.

Tom Tugendhat a minister in Sunak's government has fast-tracked an anti-protest law. The law will allow peaceful protest but will clamp down hard on violent protests.

The coronation will cost in the region of 100 million (apparently). With tax payers as usual, footing the bill. Security will be tight should there be an attack of some kind from anti-monarchists or terrorists.

Is it moral though to have such pomp and circumstance in this day and age? Where people even those who are working are attending food banks. Where people are facing rising energy costs and everything everywhere is going up.

Charles has apparently scaled back the crowning ceremony to reflect the state of the nation. Even so, it will be a lavish and pompous event. The coronation should not be happening to reflect the King's concern for his people (if he really cares). Even though the coronation of a monarch is traditional is it necessary in this modern world? Charles was King any way upon the death of his Mother Queen Elizabeth. Obviously, tourists love the pageantry because the USA does not have anything like this or history. However, if there were no monarchy tomorrow there are enough historical sites in this land to keep the foreign punters visiting.

Even some monarchists have no time for the Royal Family now. Since the Queen's death, something has changed. It seems the scandal of Charles and Camilla, the antics of Prince Andrew, and the rebellion by Prince Harry with Meghan have created a catalyst of hate. Hate and dislike of a family, the Windsors, imploding over the years. The Queen seemed to keep a lid on it. Now with Elizabeth gone, it seems many are questioning the role of these corrupt aristocrats.

If the monarchy were gone what would be the alternative? Well, obviously it would be a Presidential system. Where that President would be the Head of the country. Either in a ceremonial role as in Germany, Ireland, Israel, etc. Or the USA model would be the alternative to that. At least in the USA model, you can vote out the President if you do not like them. However, would it be replacing one lot of rich rulers with another? While having a US-style President is more democratic nothing is perfect. A US-style President would know they are accountable (whether they like it or not) to the people. The ballot box would determine their political future. With a monarchy, the people cannot choose or elect the next monarch. It is imposed upon us because that's how it has been done since William the Conqueror. I myself, like the history but I think it's time the monarchy and everything attached to it should be disbanded.

The Commonwealth is a load of nations that used to be in the British Empire. Many of them wish to forego the Monarch as being Head of State. William and Kate found this out when they toured the Caribbean. It may have washed once in the days of deference and empire but no more.

Many older people will continue to support the Royals. As will many on the right. However, an increasing number of people feel the King, his Entourage, the Royal Family, and what the institution represents has no relevance to them. When you look at the other Royals of the Netherlands or Denmark they have modernised the institution to the point where they are still relevant. If the British Royals cannot modernise in such a way then in my opinion, they are doomed.