Unit 2: The Crown at a crossroads (2nde_gr1)

Unit 2: The Crown at a Crossroads – The British monarchy, an unshakeable institution?

God Save my Son!

The document under study is an extract of a news report from BBC news published in 2023. It is about the popularity of the monarchy in the UK on the eve of King Charles III’s coronation. There has been a declining support since Elisabeth’s death. Indeed, for the young British their support has gotten divided by 2 from 2013 to 2023 (from 64% to 32%). On top of that, in 2013, 17% of adults were against the monarchy and wanted an elected Head of State, meaning a republic. Contrary to 2023, 26% of adults are now anti-monarchists. As a result, an anti-monarchy movement is emerging. Usually, most of the old people are pro-monarchy. For the people in favor of the monarchy, they like it because they have been used to the royal family and the way it works. Besides, they see it as a tradition. The royal family has an international impact as being a soft power for the country. They are also a form of stability for the country. The UK might also want to stay part of the few countries who still have a monarchy as it is the most powerful one.

Nevertheless, 58% of the population are supporting the monarchy compared to 75% in 2013. There has been a decline since the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee. To finish with, young people from ethnic minority backgrounds dislike the monarchy because they think that the monarchy has problems with race and diversity.

Homework: Learn the lesson.