The history of modern republic movement in the UK

The modern republican movement in Britain has a long, uneven history. It has never been a mass movement, but it has periodically surged in visibility—especially during moments of royal controversy, constitutional debate, or generational shifts in public attitudes.

Early Roots (18th–19th centuries)

Although Britain has had a monarchy continuously since 1660, republican ideas never fully disappeared. Influences included:

Enlightenment thought (e.g., Thomas Paine’s Rights of Man),

Chartism (1830s–1840s), which challenged aristocratic power and demanded democratic reforms.

These weren’t “republican movements” in the modern sense but laid ideological foundations: popular sovereignty, constitutional reform, and the idea that political legitimacy should come from the people.

Early 20th Century: Constitutional Reformers

For most of the 20th century, mainstream debate focused on limiting royal powers, not removing the monarchy.

After WW1, public scrutiny of privilege increased. Figures like George Bernard Shaw and Bertrand Russell argued against monarchy.

The Labour Party occasionally hosted republican voices but did not adopt republicanism as policy.

During this era, monarchy remained popular, symbolically tied to empire and national unity.

1960s–1970s: Seeds of Modern Organised Republicanism

A more recognisable modern republican movement began emerging through:

Post-war social liberalisation,

Growing scepticism toward hereditary privilege,

The decline of the British Empire (which weakened the monarchy’s imperial role)

1980s–1990s: Professionalised Activism and the Birth of “Republic”

The key modern organisation Republic was founded in 1983.

This group professionalised republicanism through:

-public campaigns,

-research and reports on royal finances,

-media engagement,

-large-scale petitions.

The 1990s were pivotal:

-The monarchy suffered major PR crises (e.g., marital scandals, questions about finances, the 1992 “annus horribilis,” and the public reaction to Diana’s death in 1997).

-These events made criticism of the monarchy far more mainstream.

Republic seized this moment to present republicanism as legitimate, democratic, and reform-focused rather than fringe or anti-British.

2000s: Institutional Debate and Growing Skepticism

Debates about constitutional modernisation (House of Lords reform, devolution, human rights legislation) created fertile ground for republican arguments.

Media scrutiny increased around royal spending, accountability, and transparency.

Younger generations became less deferential to traditional institutions.

Republic grew steadily, focusing on:

transparency campaigns (“Who funds the monarchy?”),

annual protests at royal events,

public education.

Still, widespread enthusiasm for the monarchy—particularly around Elizabeth —kept the movement relatively contained.

2010s–2020s: Transition Era and Renewed Momentum

Several developments contributed to renewed interest in republicanism:

Generational and cultural shifts

Younger Britons show significantly lower support for the monarchy in polls.

Royal family controversies + media crises involving Andrew, Harry and Meghan’s departure, and debates about race, privilege, and institutional accountability.

These controversies elevated republican discussions into mainstream spaces.

The transition from Elizabeth II to Charles III

Support for the monarchy began to decline during and after the transition to Charles.

Republic organised high-profile protests during royal events, significantly increasing media attention.

Current Landscape of the Modern Movement

Today, the British republican movement is characterised by:

A variety of republican groups including Republic, Our Republic, Labour For A Republic and Greens For A Republic

Uni and local republican groups including LGBTQIA+ For A Republic, Global Majority Ethnicities For A Republic and Veterans Against the Monarchy.

More politicians and famous figures willing to speak out against the monarchy

The rise of social media accounts including Down With The Crown on Facebook, Abolish The Monarchy on Reddit, Royals Cost Watch on TikTok, and Republic Bristol on BlueSky.

The movement still has a way to go but it's clear that the monarchy is on borrowed time. We're on the right side of history.