The Meltdown of Monarchies

I am invited for a visit with the king. It takes place at his home, a palace that doesn’t flaunt its splendor, and precisely because of that, it feels majestic to me. I convince myself that this environment reflects the character of my host and wonder if he understands that someone like me, the son of a working-class family, is impressed by such surroundings. “We’re a fairly normal family,” he will say later. By that time, I will have also met his wife and one of his daughters. Over time, I can indeed see the normalcy, but when I first meet him in person, I’m stiff with nerves.

I already feel uncomfortable around VIPs, let alone with a monarch. I fear that, much to my dismay, I am susceptible to fame. That’s ridiculous and completely against my principles, so I can be thankful that this king puts me at ease; every time he appears, I feel a mixture of awe and compassion. He’s tall, his stature fills the room, but he has nothing grandiose about him. You could say he lacks grace, but that is certainly not a shortcoming. He is the least imposing monarch I know. That reassures me and inspires sympathy.

He is a king of class, but the better version of that concept. He distinguishes himself by mastering the art of staying grounded. Is that the result of a healthy sense of perspective, or is there something else at play? Many royals appear more stately than he does. They seem to embody a long family history. Distinction suits them, it is their driving force. They embrace their inherited role much more easily and are less concerned with the misdeeds of their ancestors. This man represents a country with critical citizens and a history that humbles. If he doesn’t present himself with humility, his people would devour him. But it’s also within him. I believe that, from a young age, he’s had his reservations about the state system and the historical accident that chose him.

That I, as the tenant of a two-room apartment, am impressed by the environment in which I am received is perhaps logical, but I can’t forgive myself for this fascination. My views on capitalism and old money urge me towards indifference, yet I cannot deny that the opulence, which comes with monarchy, exerts a strong pull on me. Perhaps, for my host, the palace is also the only allure of kingship. For him and his family, who get to live there, that’s nice. I’m a fleeting visitor and want to leave my weakness behind by unburdening myself. While the king shows me his most amiable side, I feel the urge to share libertarian thoughts with him. I want to let him know why I believe in a republic. I suspect that he also wants me to speak up about this. After all, he didn’t invite me here for nothing. Of course, he’s read my book.

“I greatly appreciate this meeting, Your Majesty,” I begin sincerely. “I want you to understand that my position in favor of a state without hereditary succession by a head of state doesn’t stem from hatred or distrust towards you and your family. On the contrary, it arises from my deep disdain for the conspiracy theories circulating in far-right circles and other extremist groups. I’m the last person to believe that the royal family is involved in dark conspiracies, or that they are puppets of a hidden world order pulling the real strings behind the scenes. But how do we banish such absurd fabrications? The genie seems to be out of the bottle, Your Majesty. People are driving each other crazy on social media. So much is claimed, and so little is proven. Honestly, I believe there’s only one way left to rid ourselves of these annoying rumors.”

“By giving the slanderers no further reason,” the king adds. His kind eyes seem to have absorbed my words and have grown a bit more serious. He limits his response to that single sentence, so I continue my argument freely: “That’s exactly what I mean, Your Majesty. Apart from that, I believe in a system where power and privilege are not based on birth, but on merit. That seems fairer and more inclusive. A system where everyone has equal opportunities, where the strength of society comes from its diversity and the possibilities it offers to all, regardless of their background.” This moment of revealing my colors is accompanied by a vision of the future that I keep to myself.

Could it be that my message resonates and plants a seed of understanding? As I stand there, speaking about my deeply held beliefs, I hope that my words reflect not only my personal perspective but also his. In fact, I hope that the king secretly harbors the same thoughts as I do about the future of the monarchy. Perhaps, I think, he quietly shares my desire for a system that abolishes the arbitrary hierarchy that has made him a monarch. I imagine him lying awake at night, surrounded by the opulence of his palace, contemplating the role of this ‘form of government’ in a rapidly changing world. Does he engage in inspiring conversations with progressive thinkers, philosophers, and activists more often, sharing their vision of a more inclusive society? Perhaps he dreams of a realm where his subjects transform into ordinary fellow citizens, not divided by lineage, but united by shared values of equality and justice.

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