We need to have a very awkward conversation about the monarchy

The best of Voices delivered to your inbox every week - from controversial columns to expert analysis Sign up for our free weekly Voices newsletter for expert opinion and columns Sign up to our free weekly Voices newsletter SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. In the aftermath of the Queen’s death, the group Republic, which wants to abolish the monarchy, said: “We are saddened to hear the news of the Queen’s death and we wish to express our condolences to the royal family.” It added: “There will be plenty of time to debate the monarchy’s future. Yet amid the days of pomp and pageantry of a state funeral, it is essential we find time to talk about the very future of the monarchy itself: whether Britain wants one, and whether it is fair to send Charles – now King Charles III – on such a path. We intend to organise protests at the coronation and will expect those protests to be allowed to go ahead peacefully.” Polls show about 25 per cent of Britons would favour an elected head of state, with 61 per cent who prefer an unelected monarchy. To keep up to speed with all the latest opinions and comment sign up to our free weekly Voices Dispatches newsletter by clicking here If those in favour of keeping a monarchy are so certain of their case, then let’s put it to the vote.