By: Armita Rohani
After the death of 96 year old Queen Elizabeth II, King Charles III assumed the title of King in September 2022 and will be crowned on May 6th of this year at Westminster Abbey. The King will be crowned alongside the Queen Consort, Camilla, while standing beside the 700-year old Coronation Chair, while the congregation shouts “God Save The King!” He will swear an oath to uphold the law and the Church of England before being crowned with St. Edward’s 17th century, solid gold crown.
However, his coronation and monarchy is facing mass protests by the people in England; very few want the monarchy to continue. In a recent survey, only 34% of 18-25 year olds thought that Britain should uphold its monarchy. While traveling to Milton Keynes to celebrate its new status as a city, King Charles was met by protestors who carried “Not My King” signs. Said merchandise is aimed towards the young demographic, including hoodies that say “Bring down the Crown.” In another visit to York, England, a protestor threw several eggs towards King Charles and Camilla, barely missing. However, the King was unbothered and continued to greet guests, regardless of the broken eggshells that lay on the ground right next to him. In photographs captured by the media, Charles was unfazed, waving to crowds and smiling.
Much of these protests have been organized by the head of an anti-monarchist campaign group, Graham Smith. His mission has been to “see the monarchy abolished and the King replaced with an elected, democratic head of state.” In an interview with ABC News, Smith stated that “Charles has not inherited the respect and deference and sycophancy that the Queen enjoyed. And it’s a very different environment in which to campaign now.” While it may be too early to say what will become of King Charles’ reign, protests and resistance towards him will be expected.
