William Tyler
The Future of The British Monarchy or Second Republic?
Summary
The Queen’s Platinum Jubilee in 2022 invited the question of what’s next for the Monarchy. Even with Prince Charles’s ascension to the throne, it remains uncertain how long the Monarchy itself will survive.
William Tyler
William Tyler has spent his entire professional life in adult education, beginning at Kingsgate College in 1969. He has lectured widely for many public bodies, including the University of Cambridge and the WEA, in addition to speaking to many clubs and societies. In 2009, William was awarded the MBE for services to adult education, and he has previously been a scholar in residence at the London Jewish Cultural Centre.
Well, Canada is a monarchy until it gets rid of the queen. As I said it wouldn’t be a republic like the American republic. It would be a republic like the German republic. It would have the president and prime minister. That is to say the head of state and head of government. As with America, would be extremely unlikely to be rolled into one. I just don’t think that’s possible in Britain.
They go on as they do in France. No problem at all. No problem to the aristocracy. This isn’t a revolution in which they lose titles. Well, the French had a revolution but people still had titles. It wouldn’t make any difference. What benefit is it if you’ve got a title? Well, you can probably get a better seat in a restaurant. That’s what people say. But I know one titled lady who says she always gets a better deal from the garage in which she buys her car because the agent thinks the title means a lot more than it actually does. So maybe a benefit in buying a car, but pretty much not.
Well, that’s difficult to answer. There would be occasions on which they are representative of the nation and that would still be the case. Does for example Charles need to wear military uniform when giving out civilian gongs? No, he doesn’t. He could just as well wear a suit. But I don’t think it lessens the fact that he is doing it with the whole of the history behind him on behalf, if you like, of the nation.