10 Logical Fallacies Monarchy Supporters Love To Use

Campaigners against monarchy (and in favour of a republic) often run into rhetorical tricks and logical fallacies in debate with monarchy supporters. Here are some of the common ones, with examples framed the way they’re often thrown at anti-monarchists:

1. Ad Hominem

Attack on the person instead of the argument.

Example: “Get a job!” or “You’re just jealous of their wealth.”

The focus shifts to the protester’s character or circumstances instead of discussing the institution.

2. Appeal to Tradition

Suggesting something is justified simply because it’s old or customary.

Example: “The monarchy has been here for a thousand years — we can’t just get rid of it.”

Yes ,we can! Our mission is to end a thousand years of exploitation, nepotism and entitlement, not to preserve or celebrate it.

Age or longevity doesn’t prove rightness or usefulness.

3. Appeal to Popularity (Bandwagon)

Arguing something must be right because many people support it.

Example: “Many people love the royals, so they must be good for the country.”

Many people supported fascism, slavery and burning women as witches, but it we would not say they were right today!

4. Appeal to Emotion

Using sentiment instead of evidence.

Examples: “The Queen devoted her whole life to service — how dare you criticise her!” or "but Charles had cancer!"

It invokes reverence or guilt rather than discussing whether monarchy is a fair system.

5. Strawman

Misrepresenting the republican position to make it easier to attack.

Example: “So you want to get rid of the monarchy and have some random dictator instead?”

The campaign for an elected head of state is reduced to something extreme or absurd.

6. False Dichotomy

Pretending only two options exist.

Example: “Either we have a monarchy, or we’d end up like the U.S. — is that what you want? President Johnson or Blair?”

Ignores the many models of republics worldwide (e.g., Ireland, Germany, Iceland).

7. Slippery Slope

Claiming one small change will inevitably lead to catastrophe.

Example: “If we get rid of the monarchy, it will destroy our traditions and the country will fall apart.”

It ignores the fact that our ancestors built this country, not royals. Post-monarchy, we will still have our rich culture, sport, music, humour and more!

8. Appeal to Authority

Treating the endorsement of powerful figures as proof.

Example: “The great leaders respect the monarchy, so we should too.”

Sure they do - because it's a rich person's club and we are not invited.

9. Red Herring / Whataboutism

Deflecting from monarchy by pointing elsewhere.

Example: “Why complain about the royals when there are bigger problems like poverty or climate change?”

Wrong is wrong. It would be unfair to kick the can of monarchy down the road for another generation to deal with. We need change now!

10. Cost Fallacy (Sunk Cost / Appeal to Investment)

Arguing we must continue with monarchy because we’ve already invested in it.

Example: “We’ve spent centuries building royal tradition — we can’t just waste that.”

The world has moved on. Other countries laugh at how stuck in the past we are.

In short, as anti-monarchy / pro-republic campaigners, we often have to navigate a minefield of personal attacks, emotional appeals, and appeals to tradition, rather than clear arguments about democracy, accountability, or cost. We must make sure we know how to respond!