What is demonarchisation?

Demonarchisation refers to the gradual removal of monarchical influence, symbols, powers, and privileges from a country’s political, legal, and cultural systems.

It’s used as a strategic step-by-step approach by republicans who want to move towards a fully democratic republic. Rather than going straight for abolition, demonarchisation focuses on weakening the monarchy’s role, visibility, and relevance, making it easier to argue for a republic later on.

Key Aspects of Demonarchisation:

1. Stripping Political Powers

-End the use of Royal Prerogative powers (e.g. signing treaties, appointing ministers).

-Remove the monarch’s role in the State Opening of Parliament.

-Abolish the Privy Council.

2. Removing Symbolic Control

-Change the national anthem to something people-focused.

-Rename institutions like “Royal Mail,” “Crown Prosecution Service.”

3. Democratising Oaths and Allegiances

-Replace oaths to the monarch with oaths to the Constitution, the nation, or the people.

-Apply this across Parliament, the military, police, and civil service.

4. Ending Royal Privilege

-Open royal finances to full public scrutiny.

-Remove tax exemptions (e.g. inheritance tax on royal estates).

-Cut public funding

5. Reframing Ownership

-Rename the Crown Estate as the National Estate to reflect public ownership.

-Bring duchies (Cornwall, Lancaster) under public control.

Why It Matters:

Demonarchisation helps:

*Expose the monarchy’s ongoing influence, which is often downplayed.

* Shift public opinion by revealing how undemocratic some royal powers still are.

*Build political will for eventual abolition by making it feel like a logical next step — not a radical leap.

Think of it like decolonisation or decommunisation: it’s not just about removing a figurehead, but dismantling an entire structure of inherited power and replacing it with something democratic and accountable.