John Humphrys fronts a Channel 4 documentary, The Royals: Time to Go?, asking whether Britons should have the choice to elect their head of state. While he says he admires King Charles III, Humphrys objects to compulsory public acts of deference and argues the debate about the monarchy should be open and democratic. The film features voices both for and against the monarchy and draws on Humphrys's childhood memories and professional encounters with the late Queen.
John Humphrys Questions the Monarchy’s Role in Channel 4 Film 'The Royals: Time to Go?'
Humphrys met Queen Elizabeth II alongside other BBC figures at Broadcasting House in 2006 [BBC]
Veteran broadcaster John Humphrys has released a Channel 4 documentary, The Royals: Time to Go?, which asks whether the United Kingdom should continue to retain a hereditary monarchy or move to an elected head of state.
Humphrys, best known for long spells presenting the Nine O'Clock News, the Today programme and Mastermind during his decades at the BBC, says he admires King Charles III but believes the issue is ultimately one of democratic choice.
Arguments and Anecdotes
In the film, Humphrys speaks to both critics and supporters of the monarchy and makes the case for considering a republic in which a president, rather than a monarch, serves as head of state. He argues that asking the public to show deference — for example, by bowing or "bending the knee" — should be a matter for democratic debate.
"I know the monarch is not a political leader, but he is our leader, and we need to bow our knee to him. That's what I object to. Shouldn't we get a choice?" Humphrys tells BBC Radio Wales Breakfast.
Humphrys also recalls childhood memories of seeing the late Queen Elizabeth II visit Cardiff and a family anecdote: "My father didn't attend and said he would never bend the knee to anyone. I guess that rubbed off on me." He describes meeting the Queen several times during his career, once asking her for an interview and being told, simply, "no."
Buckingham Palace has been approached for comment on Humphrys's documentary. The film aims to spark public debate by presenting a range of viewpoints and historical context about the monarchy's role in modern Britain.
Context
The documentary arrives amid ongoing public discussion about the cost, relevance and symbolic role of the Royal Family in contemporary British life. Humphrys frames his questions around democratic principles and personal freedom rather than personal dislike of the monarch.
Help us improve.
