While thousands of people have taken to the streets to mourn the death of Queen Elizabeth last week, some critics of the British monarchy have taken this chance to protest against the monarchy. And to be honest, they’re not wrong. The monarchy should be abolished.

The royal family of Britain has experienced their fair share of controversies and scandals in the past several decades, from King Charles cheating on Princess Diana in 1986 to recent media scrutiny over his ascent to the throne. 

Plus, even the own members of the royal family aren’t inclined to participate in royal activities anymore, since there is constant pressure placed on them from being under the spotlight at all times. As a result, in February 2021 Harry and Meghan, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex, announced their resignation from their roles as senior royals to live a private life away from media scrutiny. 

Additionally, the British royal family is not involved in political aspects of the government. Even though the Queen was the Head of State, she did not exercise any formal power herself. The monarchy operates under the guise of wielding political power while the powers are actually exercised by prime ministers on behalf of the crown. Ultimately, Queen Elizabeth was a nonpolitical figure and the monarchy system merely symbolizes out-of-date British ideals from the past.

Few countries in the world even have monarchies in the modern day, since it results in an extremely high cost of living. The British monarchy costs nearly $345 million per year, and nearly one third of that comes from the citizens through tax. 

Furthermore, the monarchy did nothing to earn the status of being bowed down to; citizens do not owe the monarchy anything. The monarchy helps instill a hierarchy among otherwise equal citizens, where familial status, lineage and connections determine one’s status. England essentially labeled a family as superiors with no other reason than their bloodline. Ultimately, the system of monarchy is oppressive and obliterates fundamental ideals of liberty and equality. 

At this point, the monarchy only exists to honor centuries of British culture. Because the monarchy is politically useless, raises the cost of living in England and intrudes on citizens’ freedom, it’s time for Britain to divorce itself from this outdated institution.