Royals

British monarchy ‘sick at its core’ claims Q&A panellist

May 22, 2018

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle got married on Saturday. Picture source: Getty

The weekend’s royal wedding between Prince Harry and Meghan Markle may have been watched by billions around the globe and 2.5 million people in Australia, but panellists on Monday night’s episode of Q&A have urged people to be sceptical of the royal family.

Author and academic Randa Abdel-Fattah told the show she thought the monarchy was racist and didn’t think people were focusing on the real problems facing the world.

“The monarchy represents an institution of imperialism and racism and it has been enriched by corruption, imperialism, racism, and slavery, and for me it’s not just suddenly we have a biracial bride and that diversity politics erases the history of that institution,” she told the panel.

She also claimed people should stop focusing on trivial things like Markle’s wedding dress and think about bigger problems facing the United Kingdom.

Is rising monarchism just celebrity escapism? Greg Sheridan & @RandaAFattah respond #QandA pic.twitter.com/2KD20WpnOz

— QandA (@QandA) May 21, 2018

“We shouldn’t lose our critical eye when we look at these things and not be seduced by the pomp and ceremony,” she continued. “The fact that homeless people were taken away from the streets. The fact the Grenfell fire people have not been compensated. These are the real issues. Not what Meghan was wearing and whether or not she’s now reformed an institution that is sick at its core.”

The Australian’s foreign affairs editor Greg Sheridan seemed to agree, labelling the wedding as “genius PR by the British royal family” and implying the nuptials between Prince Harry and Markle improved the public’s view of the royals.

“They’re good at this PR stuff. It’s a success. It’s a grey old world,” Sheridan said. “May is miserable. Corbyn is frightening. Harry and Meghan, God bless them.

“I’m sure Harry loves Meghan and Meghan loves Harry, but this was a strategic marriage. It makes the monarchy multicultural, hip, and suddenly people of colour can identify with the royal family.”

Still, there were members of the panel who were all for the monarchy, including Victorian Liberal Senator Jane Hume. She explained that she was proud and “had a tear in her eye” watching the wedding.

.@SenatorHume thought the young Royals are more relevant & accessible. @JulieCollinsMP will stay a republican. @PeterSinger didn't watch #QandA pic.twitter.com/61jN9SSe2A

— QandA (@QandA) May 21, 2018

“I love the fact Harry and Meghan do tend to bring a more contemporary edge to the monarchy and make it more relevant for young people,” Hume said. “They feel more accessible and more approachable. I think they take their humanitarian work very seriously. It’s a terrific addition to the monarchy.”

Meanwhile, Opposition minister for ageing and mental health Julie Collin said she thought the wedding did little to change the minds of Australians who want the country to become a republic.

“The royal wedding hasn’t changed my mind and I don’t think it will change many other Australians minds,” she said. “They’re not really relevant to Australia anymore. Yes, it was a lovely wedding. Yes, they’re clearly in love … but I don’t think it’s about whether or not we’re a Republican or a Monarchist whether we enjoyed the wedding or not.”