
The New Statesman: politics and culture Abolish the rotten monarchy
6 snips
Oct 29, 2025 Will Lloyd, Deputy Editor at New Statesman and advocate for abolishing the monarchy, explores the need for change in British royalty. He discusses Prince Andrew's controversial past, linking it to wider institutional problems. Lloyd also analyzes the media's role in shaping royal narratives and the idea of 'Windsorism.' The conversation dives into the monarchy's political influence and the contradictions in royal personas, while laying out a compelling republican case based on equality and humanist values.
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Private Cruelty Reveals Institutional Rot
- Oli Dugmore argues Prince Andrew's grotesque private behaviour reveals deeper institutional cruelty and unfitness for public representation.
- The episode frames Andrew's actions as emblematic of a monarchy that demeans and embarrasses the public it claims to serve.
Monarchy Uses Media Briefing To Protect Itself
- Oli says the palace has briefed against the late Queen, exposing willingness to drag even her reputation into defence of the institution.
- This shows the monarchy will protect itself by influencing media narratives rather than accepting accountability.
Make Republicanism Emotional Not Just Fiscal
- Will Lloyd praises framing republicanism romantically rather than purely by cost or tourism arguments.
- Emotional and cultural critique can mobilize sentiment against hereditary monarchy more effectively than dry accounting.









