Get all your news in one place.
100's of premium titles.
One app.
Start reading
The Guardian - UK
The Guardian - UK
National
Robert Hazell

Control the PR, lose the hangers-on: lessons for Charles from Europe’s royals

King Willem-Alexander Of The Netherlands and Queen Maxima Of The Netherlands Visit Region FrieslandOOSTSTELLINGSWERF, NETHERLANDS - SEPTEMBER 17: King Willem-Alexander of The Netherlands and Queen Maxima of The Netherlands ride on bicycles as they visit ECOstyle, Biosintrum and EcoMinutypark during their visit to the region of South East Friesland on September 17, 2020 in Ooststellingswerf, Netherlands. The theme of the visit is sustainable entrepreneurship and the cooperation with the education sector. (Photo by Patrick van Katwijk/Getty Images)
Queen Máxima of the Netherlands, left, got into hot water over remarks about Dutch identity. Photograph: Patrick van Katwijk/Getty Images

In 1900 every country in Europe was a monarchy, save for three: France, Switzerland and San Marino. By 2000 most had become republics, with the exceptions being Denmark, Norway, Sweden, Belgium, the Netherlands, Luxembourg, the UK and Spain. These monarchies have survived partly for geopolitical reasons, but also by being quick to reject royals who step out of line. So what are the lessons King Charles could learn from these other monarchies?

Keep the Firm small

Sign up to read this article
Read news from 100's of titles, curated specifically for you.
Already a member? Sign in here
Related Stories
Top stories on inkl right now
One subscription that gives you access to news from hundreds of sites
Already a member? Sign in here
Our Picks
Fourteen days free
Download the app
One app. One membership.
100+ trusted global sources.