An American outfit reckons that the annual value of the monarchy to Britain PLC is about 1.7 billion, which is way in excess of whatever it might cost us. Financially, every country needs a head of state. We're going to need one whatever if Graham were to have his way. The largest single assembly or world leaders outside the UN General Assembly took place in London last September went pretty much the head of state of the entire planet came to London. Now, that's not a soft power. I mean, that sort of diplomacy on a level that nobody else can match.
On this episode of the Sunday Debate we’re going to explore an issue that is timely, yet draws on debates at the heart of British politics and identity for centuries; should King Charles III should be the last British monarch? And where would the UK be without its Royal Family? Speaking for the motion is Graham Smith, CEO of Republic, a British organisation campaigning for the abolition of the monarchy - and author of Abolish the Monarchy: Why we should and how we will. And speaking against the motion is Robert Hardman, journalist, author, and royal commentator - Hardman has penned numerous books on the Royal Family, his most recent being 2022’s Queen of Our Times: The Life of Elizabeth II. Moderating this debate is broadcaster and academic Philippa Thomas.
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