Ahead of King Charles' coronation, Britain's Republicans are calling for the end of the monarchy. But most Britons prefer the status quo, even if the new King is not as popular as the late Queen.

London

King Charles III is to be coronated as King following the death of his mother, Queen Elizabeth II.

King Charles III

Asking Britons: Is Charles the right King?

Marching into a new era, the coronation of King Charles. The festivities are aplenty, and not just in front of Buckingham Palace. All over the country, the crown subjects are preparing for their new king. Boyne Valley Road in Maidenhead, a small town in the south of the UK, is no exception. The Queen was a wonderful role model, and I think Charles will be good as well. In honour of the big day, the residents are closing off the whole street. The party committee has their work cut out. It's big, it's a big celebration, and we're looking forward to it. But not all Britons are so enthusiastic. Republicans Ben Clinton and David McAlpine are up in arms. A change is long overdue, they say. Why should we not have the chance to vote for our own head of state? Why should we have to put up with a family that has been unelected, that no one can aspire to be head of state in this country, no young person can look up and think, I want to be able to do that, I want to make that a goal, I want to make that a goal to improve people's lives. It goes against every democratic norm. And not only that, the monarchy is expensive, Republicans argue. An investigation by a British newspaper estimated the King's personal fortune at nearly two billion pounds. Hardly reasonable at a time when some Britons can barely feed their families, they say. My Lord, pray be seated. It's this enormous privilege and unearned wealth and position. I think that generally it reinforces the whole class system. You know, it's like at the apex of class in this country, which is a severe issue. And so no one can really get to the top. Charles III, unlike his late mother, is drawing protests at his public appearances. But despite the odd egg flying his way, he seems unfazed by the negative attention, walking nonchalantly past demonstrations, like this one in the north of England. The slogan, Not My King. Younger Britons in particular are increasingly sceptical of the royals, according to polls. We're hoping to grow really by these coronation protests. We're hoping to grow by putting a light on some of the very unjust things that the royal family have been doing in the last few decades, not just the last year. And I think this provides a really great opportunity for us to, you know, send our message to the world. But back in Boyne Valley Road, the Republicans' message goes unheard. The children colour in the King's carriage and other royal motifs, while the adults prepare for the festivities. So we can write scones down as well. Scones. What to serve with afternoon tea, where to place the Union Jacks. The party planners agree 74-year-old Charles is the ideal head of state. He understands the problems that the country has, and he understands the strength that the country has. Because Britain's always had a monarchy, it's a history, it's a part of the structure of the United Kingdom, and not to have it, I think, would be quite detrimental for the country. It might send shockwaves around the world, and I think, you know, if he did step down and the monarchy stopped. Charles Camilla and the royal family are still popular in Britain, drawing much admiration for their royal splendour. They will continue to represent the country internationally. At least for the time being. Because young Britons are becoming increasingly uncomfortable with the traditions, the centuries-old form of government, and the monarchy.

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Varzeqan

Iranian President Raisi missing after helicopter crash

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Tel Aviv-Yafo

Israel-Gaza War

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Tehran

Iran’s President Raisi missing after helicopter crash

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Manchester

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New York

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Melbourne

Palestinian and Israeli protestors clash in Melbourne

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Council of the City of Sydney

Police officer stabbed in Sydney CBD

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Houston

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Berlin

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Nouméa

Some neighbourhoods out of control in New Caledonia riots

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Bamyan

Spanish tourists killed in Afghanistan shooting

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Rafah

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Los Angeles

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Jerusalem

Aid trucks begin moving through Gaza pier, U.S. says

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The Hague

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Kharkiv

Ukraine Invasion

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Bangkok

FIFA to seek legal advice over Israel suspension

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Rouen

French police kill attempted synagogue arsonist

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Handlová

Slovakia PM in stable condition after surgery

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Beijing

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Manhattan

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Banská Bystrica

Alleged gunman charged with Slovak PM's attempted murder

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King Charles III