Published: September 14, 2023
By now, the British monarchy should have been placed into hospice care—a merciful end to an archaic institution that represents a dark and imperialistic past best left behind.
Despite the persistent efforts of “royal” historians and “journalists” who tarnish their profession, the gradual decline of King Charles III and his insignificant retinue was once again evident on the first anniversary of Queen Elizabeth II’s passing.
While her divided family and nostalgic subjects may continue to revere the monarchy, the rest of the world largely ignored the passing of the stooping old lady whose 70-year reign ended a year ago from natural causes.
At the time, sentimentalists lauded Elizabeth’s grace and longevity, claiming she had left an indelible mark on the Commonwealth. However, her lengthy reign turned out to be as ephemeral as a fleeting breeze and, frankly, less consequential than the results of a typical Premier League match.
The obligatory TV-friendly rituals to commemorate Elizabeth seemed tired and insincere. A few Londoners placed flowers at Buckingham Palace’s gates, while a small crowd observed Charles and other royals at commemorative church services. The Prince and Princess of Wales posted a message on social media, claiming, “We all miss you.” But who exactly constitutes this “we” that misses the immensely wealthy and pampered queen? It certainly doesn’t include everyone.
As for Prime Minister Rishi Sunak’s assertion that the “scale” of Elizabeth’s service and dedication has deepened in the year since her passing, there is no tangible evidence to support this rhetorical claim. Elizabeth spent her life enjoying luxuries, protecting her family’s vast wealth, and presiding over opulent state dinners due to her birthright, all while maintaining the illusion of a benevolent monarchy. Her eldest son, Charles, appears poised to continue this tradition of not rocking the royal boat but keeping it afloat.
However, the boat is deteriorating and listing significantly, and Charles’s ascension to the throne has failed to inspire enthusiasm. Among British teenagers and young adults, support for the monarchy has dwindled, with a majority believing that it’s time for Britain to become a republic.
The House of Windsor’s purported commitment to “service” is a thinly veiled attempt to mask their detachment from the lives of ordinary Britons. Their frivolous public and private squabbles consume time and energy, contradicting their supposed solemn remembrance of the late queen.
In Barbados and elsewhere, former colonies are no longer willing to tolerate the remnants of colonialism. They demand restitution for the crimes against humanity committed under the banner of an English king or queen.
As for Canada, the author hopes it will follow Barbados’s example and move toward independence from the monarchy.
The decline of the British monarchy is irreversible and unsalvageable, as the world moves away from outdated institutions and seeks justice for past wrongs.
The views expressed in this article are the author’s own and do not necessarily reflect Al Jazeera’s editorial stance.