Former Scottish First Minister Nicola Sturgeon has called for the abolition of the British monarchy, arguing it would free young royals like Prince George from an inescapable future. Speaking in a Channel 4 documentary titled 'The Royals: Time To Go?', Sturgeon expressed sympathy for members of the Royal Family, stating that it is unfair for their lives to be predetermined from birth.
"That kid doesn't know any different. He has a certain life ahead of him that he has no choice over. Is that really fair?" Sturgeon said, referring to 13-year-old Prince George, who is second in line to the throne. "And so I actually think it is one of the arguments for getting rid of the monarchy, to free the future members of the Royal Family from carrying that burden."
Sturgeon also suggested that the popularity of the monarchy may have been more closely tied to the late Queen Elizabeth II than to the institution itself. Prince George recently began his studies at Eton College, having previously attended Lambrook School.
The documentary also featured veteran broadcaster John Humphrys, a lifelong republican. Humphrys recalled an encounter with Queen Elizabeth II where she stated she would 'most certainly' never grant him an interview. His republican views stem from his upbringing in working-class Cardiff and his father's strong stance against bowing to any authority.
A poll conducted for the documentary indicated that one in four Britons, or 28 percent of UK adults, now support abolishing the monarchy. This figure rises to 38 percent among 18 to 24-year-olds. Conversely, 44 percent of respondents oppose the idea.
The survey also revealed public sentiment on other royal financial matters. Sixty-four percent believe King Charles III should pay income tax, and 57 percent think he should pay inheritance tax. Additionally, 49 percent want the King to disclose details of his private earnings, and 48 percent support a formal code of conduct for working members of the Royal Family.
Scandals involving Prince Andrew have also impacted public perception, with 41 percent of those polled stating that his association with Jeffrey Epstein has made them less supportive of the Royal Family. Nearly half of respondents believe the Palace was too slow to act on allegations against him.
In contrast, former chancellor Sir Jeremy Hunt defended the monarchy, asserting that it provides stability and a unifying head of state in a polarized political climate, describing the institution as "worth their weight in gold."
Humphrys explores the justification for a monarchy in a modern democracy and the level of public deference to the institution. He questions the value for money provided by the Sovereign Grant and the Duchies of Lancaster and Cornwall, advocating for greater financial scrutiny and accountability for working royals.
Prince George Alexander Louis was born on July 22, 2013. He began his first day at Eton College last week.