What Is the Monarchy For?

Does the British monarchy still have a place in today’s society? Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s ‘exit’ cast light on institutional racism, Prince Andrew’s alleged sexual abuse highlighted troubling attitudes to gender and power, while the abolition of monarchy in Barbados accentuated its relationship to colonialism.

But what is the monarchy actually for? Does it benefit the UK, or cause more harm than good? The death of Queen Elizabeth II and the dawn of the Carolean age makes these questions more pertinent than ever.

Breaking longstanding myths around the monarchy, Clancy demystifies and evaluates the monarchy, showing why republicanism is nothing to be scared of.

“This book makes a forensic and salutary case for totally rethinking the British monarchy, an institution that enshrines indefensible inequalities.” Priyamvada Gopal, University of Cambridge

"A probing and succinct analysis of monarchical power and its potential alternatives in an era of rising global inequalities." Brooke Newman, Virginia Commonwealth University

“A brilliant analysis of Britain’s most enduringly reactionary institution, by one of its foremost critics.” Jeremy Gilbert, author of Twenty-First Century Socialism and Hegemony Now

"What is the Monarchy For? provides a powerful dissection of the institution, until the answer becomes clear: nothing good. A must-read." Graham Smith, CEO, Republic

Introduction

Part I: Real Power?

1. Stability and Continuity?

2. Ensuring Democratic Legitimacy?

Part II: Soft Power?

3. The Great Unifier?

4. The Ultimate Celebrities?

5. Public Servants?

Part III: Hidden Power

6. Post-colonial?

7. Custodians of the Land?

8. Twenty-first Century Feminists?

Part IV: What Next?

Conclusion: Alternative Futures