STEPHEN Paton clearly and understandably believes that the continuation of a royal family in an independent Scotland would be unthinkable as it is simply not fit for purpose within a democratic framework (Change is on the horizon – it’s time to challenge grip of the monarchy, Dec 5). Their contention that any decision about maintaining a royal family in an independent Scotland is highly pertinent at this time.

Like Stephen Paton, I would argue that the monarchy is incompatible with equality in a modern state. The existence of a royal family, with countless hangers-on, perpetuates class divisions in 21st-century society to the extent that these anachronistic divisions become socially accepted and even celebrated by some.

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With the economic uncertainties and constitutional disorientation fuelled by Brexit, together with the re-emergence of a pugnacious and reckless form of English nationalism, it is clear that an unthinking acceptance of, or deference to, the institution of the monarchy should not be tolerated in an independent Scotland. I struggle to find any argument in favour of retaining the monarchy and believe that the royal family would be an embarrassing and expensive burden to Scottish taxpayers.

Our present-day monarchy masquerades as historical tradition but in truth is a business enterprise. Figures released by Buckingham Palace last year inform us that the price of having a monarchy rose by approximately 44% , meaning that £67 million was lavished on private jets, trains, trips abroad, refurbishment of ostentatious homes and palaces and on literally thousands of camp followers. The ridiculous practice of “Queen’s consent” still allows the royal family to remain above the law of the land and influence any legislation that may affect their own economic interests or financial well being. As Stephen Paton emphasises, the traditional empirical baggage they represent and the archaic, class-conscious, obsequious fawning that the royals are greeted with by some have no place in a new, modern and egalitarian state.

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The present corrupt Conservative government, who have carried out the worst case of self- harm in British history by plunging us into the Brexit morass, are largely a product of Oxbridge privilege and birthright entitlement that is enabled by the very existence of a royal family and institutionalised inequality. An independent Scotland must shake the dust from its feet and remember that monarchy murders meritocracy.

At a time when countries are faced with economic recession due to the pandemic and funding for health and education falls short, when homelessness and material privation abound and food banks proliferate, the monarchy is an immoral, injudicious and scandalous waste of time and money.

Stephen Paton is correct – in an independent Scotland they should be retired and consigned to the dustbin of history.

Owen Kelly
Stirling

PLEASE Please, do not muddy our solid argument for independence. By bringing the monarchy question into the debate you are only giving a lot of undecided voters a reason to reject independence. No matter what some people think, there are a lot of voters who love the monarchy, and they might well be the difference between winning or losing when and if indyref2 happens.

Sandy Aitken
via thenational.scot

GET rid of them. No discussion needed. They serve no purpose. Totally at odds with a modern democracy. End of.

James Angus
via thenational.scot