Ahead of the King’s coronation, some question the future of the British monarchy

This Saturday, King Charles will be the fortieth British monarch to be crowned at Westminster Abby. The first was William the Conqueror, almost a thousand years ago. Saturday’s ceremony will be steeped in history, but it also has many questioning the future of the royal institution.

Some Londoners CityNews spoke believe without a doubt there is a future for the monarchy, however for others, the answer is quite the opposite.

Protestors with the anti-monarchist group Republic have been showing up regularly at the King’s public engagements, chanting “Not my King.”

They are calling for the monarchy to replaced with an elected head of state. It is an ongoing debate amongst the U.K.’s residents.

“Lots of people love the monarchy and a lot of the reason people come to the U.K. is to see the monarchy,” said Naomi from London.

Meanwhile, Sophie Allcock from Liverpool had some criticisms. “The Coronation is costing $250 million. The justification is it will bring a billion dollars into the economy. Whether that’s justification when half the country can’t afford to eat and are using food banks, I don’t know.”

Polls in Britain indicate a sense of apathy to the Monarchy is growing. The death of Queen Elizabeth, who was widely respected for her 70 years of service, has prompted a conversation about its relevance.

Scandals surrounding Prince Andrew haven’t helped nor has the rift in the family with Prince Harry and Meghan stepping away from royal life.

There is also the painful issue of colonization and reparation.

“King Charles has intimated he wants to have a dialogue with respect to reparation for the descendants of slavery I think he should be lauded for that. I do hope we have a meaningful discussion about reparation, and this is not just a bunch of platitudes,” said Samuel Jacobs, another Londoner.

Opinions on the King also vary depending on the generation.

“He’s a very good man, a very kind man and a very generous man,” said Margaret Tinsley, an 81-year-old Londoner.

However, 16-year-olds on a class trip to London had a different outlook.

“Having him as a king, he doesn’t represent everyone. I don’t think he cares for everyone as well,” said Shanilia. “He’s up in houses like this, living his own life in his own bubble.”

Every student on the trip said they did not think there is a future for the monarchy which raises the question, if these teenagers are the future, what then is the monarchy’s?

Of course, there is also a debate in Canada about whether King Charles should remain as it’s head of state.

A recent poll from Abacus suggests the majority of Canadians, two in every three, would vote to eliminate the monarchy. They also found that the impression of King Charles III have become more negative in the last three years, but most are neutral.

And only four per cent of Canadians are actually following the coronation “very closely.”

A severing of ties is highly unlikely as the constitution would have to be reopened and no politician appears to have an appetite for that.