The Queen’s Gambit? Meghan, The Media and the future of the Monarchy
This was the week that was, or was not? After THAT Interview and the media furore that has engulfed the palace, it seems opportune to reflect on where we are now and for the future. Walter Bagehot, the grand old man of the English constitution, argued in the past that the monarchy was the ‘dignified’ element of the British system. But nothing seems that ‘dignified’ at the present with arguments raging over racism, money, mental health, taxes, protection, and media coverage. The Royal Family are in a bind – the ‘don’t explain and don’t complain’ mantra of the past seems out of date in a 24/7 social media environment. Public opinion could turn away from the monarchy and Prince Charles will find himself taking over as King in a very different world to the one his mother encountered in the 1950s.
Prof Anna Whitelock (Chair in the History of Monarchy and Co-Director of the Centre for the Study of Modern Monarchy ) will chair a panel discussion to help us make sense of what is going on. The monarchy may not be in crisis but the coming days and weeks are going to be crucial for it. If they get it wrong, the future will not be bright.
Panellists will include:
- Ayesha Hazarika, broadcaster, journalist and political commentator, and former political adviser to senior Labour Party politicians.
- Graham Smith, CEO for Republic, which calls for the abolition of the monarchy and the establishment of an elected head of state.
- Jennie Bond, former BBC royal correspondent
- Dr Ed Owen, historian and author of ‘The Family Firm. Monarchy, Mass Media and the British Public, 1932-53’
- Ben Page, Chief Exec of IPSO Mori
Royal family gathered on a balcony
Further information
Registration is free but booking is essential via Eventbrite.