Graham Smith told Express.co.uk that the Queen is surrounded by a celebrity monarchy that only has their status left. Republic is an organisation that campaigns for Queen Elizabeth II to be replaced by an elected, democratic head of state and the rest of the monarchy to be abolished.
Mr Smith said: “The monarchy does not really mean anything to anybody anymore.
“The royals only really have celebrity status.
“Apart from the Queen, it is really a celebrity monarchy and that is what they are doing to try and sustain interest in them.
“The people do not mind enjoying that celebrity aspect of it, but it does mean that the support isn’t there.
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“That will become very obvious if they ever do things that are wrong.
“I think they are completely relying on celebrity status and that is a dangerous game for them to play because the world of celebrity is pretty fickle.”
However, Richard Fitzwilliams, a royal commentator, strongly disagreed with the view put forward by Republic.
Mr Fitzwillaims told Express.co.uk: “The idea that the monarchy ‘does not mean anything to anybody’ these days, that it is a mere matter of exalted celebrity and nothing more, is pure fiction.
He added: “The Windsors have shown an amazing capacity to reinvent themselves, which is imperative in an institution that goes back over a thousand years.
“To imagine that their support is largely superficial is a misreading of the British character.
“Affection for the monarchy feeling runs deep among many.
“It is also important to remember that over 40 countries today still have monarchies, including Scandinavian countries, the world’s most egalitarian and support for it is linked both to its links with history and its relevance today.”
