British ideals such as equality, democracy, and the rule of law, are completely at odds with a system that has as its head of state, someone who was chosen by birth, who is above all and everyone else, and is unaccountable for his conduct. Napoleon, initially a hero of the Republican revolution, crowned himself emperor in 1804, only to be replaced by the Bourbon Restoration in 1815, which in turn was replaced by the more liberal July Monarchy in 1830. Good listen but I think there’s a lot more that could have been said about the money grabbing tactics of the current incumbent and his family.

Smith counters this argument brilliantly in essence showing that there is a great difference between being actively in favour of something and passively being ok with it continuing. Louis Napoleon Bonaparte established the Second French Empire (1852–1870), retaining republican aspects while placing himself in the center of the state until the losses in the Franco-Prussian War led to his fall, resulting in the French Third Republic and the definitive end of the monarchy in France. Removed from power, following an uprising led by Symon Petliura and the withdrawal of German forces from Kiev. It is not a rant from an ultra-nationalist from Australia, hoping to turn that country into a Republic.If you are anti monarchy this is not a mere echo chamber, it’s the full rounded argument you need; if you are pro-monarchy then check your beliefs against this beautifully framed proposal. Just as silence reigns when it comes to Britain’s colonial past, we are also told that silence is the only respectful mode amid the death of one monarch and the accession of another – even in a time of deep national crisis. Many monarchies were abolished in the middle of the 20th century or later as part of the process of decolonization. Smith then explains in great detail why the idea of the monarchy is wrong in principle and in practice. The author's respect for and grasp of the great historical and hugely complex financial details and legal issues is clear and not waved away.

The 20th century also saw the formation of a number of new monarchies that still exist to this day such as Bhutan (1907), Jordan (1921), Saudi Arabia (1932), and Malaysia (1957). Abolished its monarchy as from 1 July 1960, following a referendum; official result: 88% in favour of republic. Abolishing the monarchy, in Gaham’s vision is far more important and far more unifying than Brexit was or could ever be.

King Charles lives in half a dozen palatial homes, travels between those homes by helicopter and relies on a staff of 500. A head of state that’s chosen by us could really represent our hopes and aspirations – and help us keep politicians in check. If you want to attack anything at all it is quite easy to assemble a plethora of arguments to do just that, and Smith has undoubtedly drummed up a whole book's worth for this publication. In 1945, during the August Revolution, Bảo Đại abdicated under the pressure of the Việt Minh led by Ho Chi Minh. Between 1859 and 1861, four monarchies in Southern Europe ceased to exist ( Parma, Modena, Tuscany and the Two Sicilies) when they all became part of the new Kingdom of Italy.