Abolish the Monarchy, Graham Smith
Abolish the Monarchy, Graham Smith
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Abolish the Monarchy
Why we should and how we will

Author: Graham Smith

Narrator: Sam Swann

Unabridged: 8 hr 2 min

Format: Digital Audiobook Download

Published: 06/01/2023


Synopsis

Brought to you by Penguin.

We're constantly told the same things about the monarchy:

But the monarchy is good for tourism..
It isn't! Evidence points to some royal weddings actually having a negative impact on inbound tourism.

But the monarchy makes a big difference to charity..
Of the approx. 1,200 charities with a royal patron, 74% had no contact with their patron during the preceding year.

But everyone loves the monarchy..
A January 2023 poll showed support for the monarchy is down 55 percent.

It's wrong in principle and it doesn't work in practice. It doesn't have to be this way.

They say Britain should be proud to have the mother of parliaments, to be a shining beacon of democracy and an example to other nations. But there's an elephant in the room.

At the heart of power is a single family. They weren't elected but they live off the public purse. They aren't accountable to anyone, and yet between them they are privy to more government secrets than many cabinet ministers. Divinely appointed using a special hat, the head of the family is your superior, you his subject. Apparently he is guardian of our constitution - but we're also told he wouldn't dream of interfering in politics.

If you accept the monarchy, you must accept the moral compromise that comes with it, from its erosion of the principle of equality to the secret interference in our laws. But the good news is that we don't have to accept it. True democracy is within our reach.

'A crucial, riveting polemic in support of one of the most precious things humanity has built - democracy itself' OWEN JONES

'Graham Smith shows what fools our rotten constitution makes of us, with a monarch as emblem of a country beset by nepotism, backhanders, chumocracy and inherited privilege. Read and rebel!' POLLY TOYNBEE

©2023 Graham Smith (P)2023 Penguin Audio

Reviews

Goodreads review by C R E on May 20, 2023

If you're British and you've watched the news lately, you've probably heard of Graham Smith by now. On the day of Charles III's coronation, he was arrested on suspicion of carrying "locking-on devices" and spent the rest of the day in a cell. The "locking-on devices" were in fact luggage straps, and......more

Goodreads review by Jemma on February 14, 2025

I really enjoyed this book. This is a labour of love that explains in accessible detail the constitutional and societal problems caused and influenced by having a monarchy. It helped me to properly understand the tax position of the Duchy of Cornwall and help me debate with others on this matter. I......more

Goodreads review by Elizabeth on July 24, 2025

hell yeah......more

Goodreads review by James on March 28, 2024

Good shout......more

Goodreads review by Gok on January 31, 2024

Eye opener. Very interesting read. Very good points. And I think the author and Republic have a very strong case. As a country the equality of its people is not as equal as we are led to believe. Royals have different rules to the normal folk. They get away with things the normals will get in troubl......more


Quotes

A crucial, riveting polemic in support of one of the most precious things humanity has built - democracy itself.

If ever you thought tradition, tourism, or political stability were good arguments for the Crown, this razor-sharp book knocks that nonsense into a top hat. Erudite Graham Smith shows what fools our rotten constitution makes of us, with a monarch as emblem of a country beset by nepotism, backhanders, chumocracy and inherited privilege. Read and rebel!

This is a very timely reminder of the constitutional absurdity of our taxpayer-funded Royal Family that is at war with itself. Whether you're in favour of abolition or a more slimmed-down monarchy in keeping with modern Britain, Graham Smith puts the case for reform eloquently and forcefully.

This is the book I have been waiting for. The lack of accountability of the monarchy is disgraceful. The privileges they have are indefensible. Step forward Graham Smith. He is not afraid to speak the truth so many people feel but find difficult to express. Reading this book will give you the confidence to speak up, and to understand that we, the British people, (and I must say, those in the land of my parents), deserve a fairer society.

Abolish the Monarchy confronts readers with some uncomfortable truths... Abolish the Monarchy delivers where much of the press so often fails... our political landscape is richer for protest movements like his - police, take note. Telegraph