Republic campaign targets royal spending and questions future of monarchy
King Charles and the royal family have come under fire following a high-profile anti-monarchy rally in Trafalgar Square, where demonstrators called for the abolition of the monarchy and greater financial accountability.
The protest, organised by the campaign group Republic, featured a fiery speech from former Liberal Democrat minister Norman Baker, who labelled the monarchy “hopelessly out of date” and a financial burden.
“Our monarchy, unlike other European monarchies, is hopelessly out of date, and it costs us a fortune,” Baker told GB News. “Whether you are a republican or a monarchist, there is no defence for the public money that is spent on the monarchy.”
Baker claimed royal finances had jumped by 53% this year—blaming former Chancellor George Osborne for the increase—and criticised the cost of King Charles’s coronation, estimating it at up to £250 million, including indirect economic impacts.
Protesters held signs demanding the end of the monarchy and voiced concern over what they see as outdated privilege funded by taxpayers.
Republic CEO Graham Smith later appeared on GB News, where he claimed future monarch Prince William “does nothing”—a statement that sparked backlash from royal commentator Richard Fitzwilliams.
“There’s no doubt that if you take charitable activities, the monarchy has an absolutely unique profile,” Fitzwilliams responded. Smith dismissed the comment, saying, “It makes no difference to charity at all.”
The protest has reignited debate over the monarchy’s role, cost, and relevance in modern Britain, with critics calling for reform—and supporters defending the Crown’s historic and charitable value.
