Charles and his token gestures of modernisation

There are several reasons why his commitments to reform can be seen as mere token gestures rather than meaningful change.

1. No Reduction in Royal Spending

One of the main expectations of modernisation is cutting the monarchy’s financial burden on taxpayers. While Charles has hinted at a “slimmed-down” royal family, there has been no reduction in spending. The Sovereign Grant, funded by public money, continues to rise, and major refurbishments of royal residences like Buckingham Palace still cost hundreds of millions. Without genuine transparency or cost-cutting measures, the promise of a leaner monarchy appears hollow.

2. Maintaining Aristocratic Privilege

True modernisation would involve dismantling archaic privileges, such as the monarchy’s exemption from certain laws, including freedom of information requests and employment regulations. However, Charles has not signalled any intention to relinquish these privileges. The royal family continues to exert influence behind the scenes, including lobbying the government through "King’s Consent" procedures to protect their interests.

3. Limited Accountability and Transparency

Despite calls for greater transparency, the monarchy remains secretive about its finances, lobbying activities, and decision-making processes. Unlike other public institutions, the royal household is not subject to full scrutiny by Parliament or independent regulators. This lack of accountability contradicts the idea of a truly modern institution.

4. Symbolic Diversity and Inclusivity Efforts

Charles has emphasised inclusivity, particularly his role as “Defender of Faiths” rather than just “Defender of the Faith” (Anglican Christianity). However, this does not translate into structural reform. The monarchy still upholds religious discrimination by requiring the sovereign to be Anglican, and it remains an institution built on hereditary privilege.

5. Superficial Changes to Royal Ceremonies

Some efforts to modernise have focused on making royal events seem more relatable, such as inviting diverse communities to the coronation. However, these adjustments do not alter the monarchy’s fundamental nature as an unelected institution of inherited power. True modernisation would require structural reforms, such as reducing royal influence in government or even moving towards an elected head of state—neither of which Charles has proposed.

6. The House of Lords and Monarchical Influence

If Charles were serious about modernisation, he might advocate for reforms to the House of Lords, where hereditary peers still sit due to their aristocratic lineage. However, there has been no indication that he intends to support democratic changes to Britain’s upper chamber, where royal and aristocratic influence remains entrenched.

7. No Challenge to the Monarchy’s Colonial Legacy

Charles has expressed "regret" over Britain’s colonial past and the role of the monarchy in the slave trade but he has not proposed any concrete action, such as repatriation of stolen artefacts, reparations, or meaningful policy changes regarding the Commonwealth. Without tangible steps, his statements risk being seen as performative rather than substantive.

Why is he unlikely to follow through on modernisation promises?

1. Entitlement- He believes he deserves the privileges.

2. Conservatism of the upper class

3. Power - He doesn't have to unless Parliament acts. Unfortunately, Parliament is weak towards the monarchy.

Charles III’s modernisation efforts largely consist of rhetoric and minor symbolic changes rather than real reform. The monarchy remains an institution rooted in privilege, secrecy, and financial dependence on the public. Without significant steps towards reducing its influence, increasing transparency, or making the head of state more accountable to the public, his promises to modernise remain little more than gestures designed to maintain public support while preserving the status quo.

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