PRINCESS Anne has said slimming down the monarchy is “not a good idea” as it provides “long term stability” for the UK.
King Charles's sister was interviewed by CBC News about recent polling suggesting there are fewer people who would like to see the monarchy continue and how the family deals with that ahead of the coronation on Saturday.
In response, the Princess Royal admitted the coronation was a moment for people to discuss the royal family’s relevance.
But she insisted she would not engage in such conversations as the monarchy provides a “degree of long term stability that is actually quite hard to come by in any other way”.
Asked about the idea of a "slimmed down" monarchy, the Princess said it was originally proposed "when there were a few more people around".
READ MORE: Watch Keir Starmer dodge question on trimming down monarchy
"It doesn't sound like a good idea from where I'm standing, I would say. I'm not quite sure what else we can do," she said.
Reports have previously suggested the King plans to reduce the number of working royals and the size of his staff in order to reduce the cost of the institution.
Asked whether there were conversations about relevance given recent polling, she added: “There will be, everywhere.
“It’s not a conversation I would necessarily have. I think it’s perfectly true that it is a moment where you need to have that discussion but I would just underline that the monarchy provides, with the constitution, a degree of long-term stability, that is actually quite hard to come by in any other way.”
Princess Anne also criticised the media, suggesting they do not pay enough attention to the work the royal family does in communities.
She said: “I think so often we get the chance to see communities and the people who do things really well and are very generous with their time in a way that, if you look at the media, you tend not to get that impression. “
The death of Queen Elizabeth led to renewed debate in several countries in the Commonwealth about whether they want to become republics.
A poll in September suggested that 54% of people in Canada thought the country should now end its ties with the British monarchy, while 46% disagreed.
Why are you making commenting on The National only available to subscribers?
We know there are thousands of National readers who want to debate, argue and go back and forth in the comments section of our stories. We’ve got the most informed readers in Scotland, asking each other the big questions about the future of our country.
Unfortunately, though, these important debates are being spoiled by a vocal minority of trolls who aren’t really interested in the issues, try to derail the conversations, register under fake names, and post vile abuse.
So that’s why we’ve decided to make the ability to comment only available to our paying subscribers. That way, all the trolls who post abuse on our website will have to pay if they want to join the debate – and risk a permanent ban from the account that they subscribe with.
The conversation will go back to what it should be about – people who care passionately about the issues, but disagree constructively on what we should do about them. Let’s get that debate started!
Callum Baird, Editor of The National
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereLast Updated:
Report this comment Cancel