The Curse Of Britain’s Island Mentality: How It Holds Us Back & Benefits the Monarchy

Britain’s island mentality —a mix of isolationism, exceptionalism, and unhealthy nostalgia—has long shaped its politics, culture, and national identity. While some argue this mindset has helped Britain maintain a strong sense of independence, in reality, it often holds the country back, making it resistant to change, overly fixated on past "glories", and disconnected from global progress. Crucially, the British monarchy has exploited this mentality for centuries, using it to justify its own existence and reinforce its grip on national identity.

What are the features of Britain’s Island Mentality?

Being an island nation has historically shaped Britain’s worldview in several key ways:

- Exceptionalism: The belief that Britain is somehow different or superior to other nations, often fuelled by its colonial past and wartime resilience.

- Isolationism: A reluctance to fully engage with Europe and the wider world, seen most recently in Brexit.

- Nostalgia for Empire: A fixation on the days when Britain was a global superpower, often at the expense of modern realities.

- Resistance to Change: A deep attachment to tradition, even when it no longer serves the country’s best interests.

While this mindset may have once been useful, in today’s globalised world, it often acts as a barrier to progress. And no institution benefits more from this than the monarchy.

How the Monarchy Exploits Britain’s Island Mentality

1) The Royal Family as a Symbol of British Exceptionalism

The monarchy plays into the idea that Britain is somehow unique, setting itself apart from other nations that have abandoned hereditary rule. Supporters argue that the royal family provides “stability” and “continuity,” reinforcing the belief that Britain is special and must preserve its traditions at all costs.

- The idea that “no one does pageantry like the British” is used to justify spending millions on royal events, despite their irrelevance in modern governance.

- While other European monarchies have modernised or become largely ceremonial, Britain clings to outdated customs—partly because the monarchy encourages the belief that these traditions define British identity.

2) Using Nostalgia to Maintain Power

The royal family has always tied itself to Britain’s imperial past, subtly reinforcing the idea that the country’s best days were when the monarchy ruled over a vast empire. This narrative is particularly effective among older generations, who grew up seeing the Elizabeth as a constant presence during Britain’s post-war decline.

- During Brexit, royalist rhetoric played a key role in romanticising a “sovereign” Britain free from European influence—despite the irony that the monarchy itself is a remnant of feudalism, not sovereignty.

- The Commonwealth is presented as a friendly international alliance, when in reality, it is a reminder of Britain’s colonial past, with many member states actively distancing themselves from the monarchy.

3) The Fear of Becoming ‘Like Other Countries’

One of the biggest barriers to republicanism in Britain is the belief that abolishing the monarchy would make Britain just like any other country—losing some vague, mythical “magic.” This is another aspect of island mentality: the fear that change will erase British uniqueness.

- Pro-monarchy arguments often focus on how “dull” elected heads of state are, implying that Britain would lose its identity if it became a republic.

- The monarchy is framed as a necessary spectacle —as if the country would collapse without royal weddings, coronations, and pompous ceremonies.

4) Encouraging Suspicion of Foreign Influence

The monarchy benefits from the deep-rooted British suspicion of foreign influence, particularly from Europe.

- Even though Britain is a democracy, the monarchy presents itself as a protector of British traditions against outside threats, despite the fact that much of the royal family’s wealth and influence come from historical ties with foreign aristocracies.

- When Harry and Meghan Markle criticised the monarchy from the US, royalists painted them as traitors influenced by American culture —as if questioning the institution was something only foreigners do.

5) Distracting from Real Political Problems

One of the monarchy’s most effective tactics is diverting attention away from Britain’s actual problems. By leaning into the island mentality, the monarchy ensures that national debates focus on the royals as a unifying symbol, rather than on economic struggles, inequality, or the many failures of government.

- The Elizabeth’s death was used as a national distraction from Britain’s worsening cost-of-living crisis.

- When the monarchy is under scrutiny (e.g Prince Andrew’s scandals), media coverage often shifts to trivial royal stories to keep the public fixated on the “soap opera” rather than real issues.

How Britain’s Island Mentality Holds the Country Back

Beyond just benefiting the monarchy, this mindset prevents Britain from embracing necessary reforms:

1) Resistance to Becoming a Republic

Many countries that once had monarchies (e.g., France, Germany, Italy) have thrived as republics. But Britain’s attachment to tradition makes it resistant to even discussing an alternative system.

2) A Delayed Reckoning with Colonialism

While other former colonial powers (like Belgium and the Netherlands) have faced up to their imperial past, Britain’s romanticised view of empire—which the monarchy promotes—has slowed down meaningful discussions on reparations and historical accountability.

3) International Decline Masquerading as Nostalgia

Instead of facing the reality that Britain is no longer a global superpower, the monarchy helps sustain an illusion of relevance. Events like royal tours and Commonwealth ceremonies make it seem as though Britain still commands respect, even as more countries move towards independence.

Breaking Free from the Island Mentality (and the Monarchy)

If Britain is to move forward, it must break free from the idea that monarchy defines national identity. The UK should:

- Acknowledge that tradition alone is not a reason to keep outdated systems.

- Accept that being “different” isn’t always a good thing—especially when it means clinging to inequality.

- Realise that abolishing the monarchy wouldn’t make Britain weaker, but stronger—by embracing democracy fully.

Conclusion

Britain’s island mentality—its exceptionalism, nostalgia, and resistance to change—has been one of the monarchy’s greatest assets. By tapping into fears about losing national identity, the royal family keeps itself relevant, even as the world moves on.

In reality, it’s this very mindset that holds Britain back —trapping it in outdated traditions, blocking political progress, and keeping power concentrated in the hands of a privileged “elite”. If Britain truly wants to modernise, it must abandon the illusion that monarchy is what makes it special—and instead, embrace a future where its people, not a single family, define its destiny.