The document summarizes the launch of Republic's new website, which features improved design, additional content, and opportunities for engagement through video, blogging, and social media. It received positive feedback from visitors and supporters. The website aims to reach more potential supporters and republicans by presenting information on their issues in a clear, rational manner. Traffic and participation have increased since the launch. The organization will continue campaigning through conferences, talks, and developing the Scottish campaign. Supporters are thanked and encouraged to donate to support these efforts.

1. Free
INSIDE
Membership news
Republic Conferences
Campaign updates
Much more...
2009 | Issue 1
The voice of modern republicanism
A New Home
Republic gets a new online home,
featuring news, video and much more
See page 4
Republic featured in C4 documentary !
UG
Commons queries Buck House spending
M
A E 10
‘Standards’ campaign set for launch
IN
W PAG
Back issues and more at www.republic.org.uk/imagine

2. 2 | Imagine
C4 exposes the princes
In a hard-hitting documentary serious
questions were raised about prince
Andrew’s financial dealings and
Buckingham palace’s lack of
transparency, while William was
accused of being lazy.
The Dispatches programme, which
featured interviews with Republic’s
Graham Smith and Republic supporter
Ian Davidson MP also looked at how
William was failing to take his military
career seriously.
The normally loyal royal commentator
James Whitaker told the programme:
“I'm sorry, but as second in line to the
throne, he (William) really should be
doing more.”
The programme accused William of laziness and using RAF as PR stunt.
“William will also be head of the
Church of England but he’s not the few he did many were little more
than attending rugby matches as a
going to go off and spend five
spectator. Thompson also raised
years as a parish priest.” more serious questions about prince
Andrew’s financial dealings.
Republic’s own investigations into
online@
William’s abuse of RAF aircraft,
republic.org.uk/news
reported in the last edition of Imagine,
was explained in detail in the
Dispatches episode. Graham Smith One of the central allegations was that
replied to claims that William had to there were question marks over how NOW FULLY BOOKED
serve in the armed forces because one the Windsor family were able to
day he will be Commander-in-Chief by acquire and build on the land where Republic’s 2009 Spring Conference is
saying: “It's nonsense. William will also Andrew’s former house, Sunninghill, set to take place in Bristol on Saturday
be head of the Church of England but now stands. The sale of the house to April 18th.
he's not going to go off and spend five a wealthy tycoon for £3m over the
years as a parish priest.” market price also raised eyebrows and The conference, to be held in the City
questions about possible corruption. Council House, will feature the launch
Channel 4 News presenter Alex of our new Standards in Public Life
Thompson, who fronted the show, The programme generated significant campaign. The new project will focus
detailed the nature of prince William’s interest in Republic and helped to on the way in which the monarchy is
public engagements, showing that of push up our membership. organised and managed, and will
highlight the lack of transparency and
accountability in the royal household.
Do we have your email address?
Full details of the agenda can be
If we haven’t you could be missing out on important
found online at www.republic.org.uk/
campaign news and regular opportunities to help us
spring.
spread the word and tell the world about what Republic
is doing and saying. Email enquiries@republic.org.uk.
Next year’s event will be in Hull.

3. Imagine | 3
So they say...
The Constitution is not an instrument
for the government to restrain the
Send your letters to imagine@republic.org.uk
people, it is an instrument for the
people to restrain the government -
Well done to everyone involved in the I was fascinated to read about Bona lest it come to dominate our lives and
re-launch of the Republic website. Vacantia on your new website. I interests.
The design is clean, all the issues are can’t believe Charles and the Queen Patrick Henry
clearly presented, and I think it take money and property left by —
strikes exactly the right tone of those who have died on Duchy land Bernard Woolley: “Of course in the
straightforward, rational argument. while intestate. We need to do service, CMG stands for Call Me God.
something about this… it’s a And KCMG for Kindly Call Me God.”
I'm really looking forward to seeing disgrace. James Hacker: “What does GCMG stand
more Republic TV. Getting high- for?”
profile supporters in front of the Peter Henson Bernard Woolley: “God Calls Me God.”
camera should help a lot in nudging Liverpool Yes Minister
a lot of nascent supporters into —
becoming members. The position is inherited, which means
I enjoyed reading the new page on
that someone who is mad, bad or a
monarchy and tourism on the new
The quot;I'm a Monarchistquot; section is a complete waste of taxpayers' money
website. Like Republic, I find it
stroke of genius. It clearly sends out can become queen or king. I think that
baffling that anyone thinks tourism
the message that we are prepared to brings the whole purpose of having a
is a good reason to keep the
engage with those who take a head of state into disrepute.
monarchy, or that tourism would not
contrary view to our own, safe in the Louise Christian
be just fine without it. Just look at
knowledge that the monarchist —
Versaille!
position is completely indefensible. Art has never been more respected
and yet the Royal Collection would
Jim Hill
I sense that the republican cause is only be tolerated by a deeply ignorant
Taunton
now beginning to gain an culture that thought paintings were
unstoppable momentum. Keep up just decorations for palaces.
the good work! Great new site. Can we have a page Jonathan Jones
on the royal household? —
Steve Smedley Nominate a quote by emailing
Suffolk Angela English imagine@republic.org.uk
London
Imagine
For the first time Republic
is holding a newly styled The magazine of Republic
Annual Conference open
to everyone, members and
Republic
non-members alike. The
PO Box 69
conference is being held
separately from our Brighton BN50 9GS
Annual General Meeting,
which will continue to be a
08708 508 825
members and guests only
imagine@republic.org.uk
event in late October.
We are delighted to
Republic Annual Conference Back issues of Imagine and more
announce that long-
information about the magazine
standing Republic
supporter and veteran can be found online at
1pm - 5pm Saturday June 20th
journalist Roy Greenslade
Charity Centre www.republic.org.uk/imagine.
will be chairing the
24 Stephenson Way London NW1 2DP
conference. We are also
Members
pleased to welcome guest
TICKETS NOW AVAILABLE speakers Johann Hari and Let us know if you would prefer
£5 for members / £8 for non-members Yasmin Alibhai-Brown. your copy by post or email.
www.republic.org.uk/annualconference

4. 4 | Imagine
Republic’s new online
home offers much more
Bona Vacantia
ver story . . . cover story . . . cover story . . . cover story . . . cove
From the
website
There is no justification for the
Queen or Charles to be given money
and property left by those who have
died without a will simply because
they lived on Duchy land. If the
New site: The blog, Republic TV and Twitter offer opportunities to engage.
Duchies claim not to benefit from
this deal they won't mind if it were
The website is split into four clear
After months of work Republic’s new
brought to an end.
sections, Who we are, What we do,
website went live on Saturday 14th
What we believe and Take Action.
March.
Did you know that if you die without a
will there's a chance your property will
Joining, donating and signing up for
The new site now boasts video, a new
end up in the hands of Prince Charles?
our e-Bulletin have all been made
look blog and a Twitter account, all
simpler and more prominent on the
aimed at providing supporters more
In Britain everything must be owned
site.
opportunities to debate the issues and
by someone - that's the law. If no
keep up with what’s happening with
rightful owners of property can be
the campaign.
traced then it is claimed by the
“We have also added a lot more
Treasury. That is unless the property
News and blog posts are now more
information and content happens to be on land owned by the
prominently displayed on the home
Duchy of Cornwall or the Duchy of
covering a wide range of related
page, and the site greets visitors with
Lancaster, in which case it goes to
a main title picture which leads to the
topics.” them.
hot topic of the moment.
It's called Bona Vacantia, but could
We have also added a lot more
The new site has been designed to
more accurately be described as a
information and content covering a
cater for all the various kinds of
'nice little earner' not only for the
wide range of related topics, including
visitors, whether staunch republicans,
Crown, but also for the Duchies of
pages on tourism, the royal art
journalists or people who just want to
Lancaster and Cornwall - the profits of
collection, the constitution, public
find out more. Even our opponents
which are handed to the Queen and
opinion and much more.
are catered for with the I’m a
Prince Charles respectively.
monarchist… Get me Out of Here!
Visitor statistics are already showing
feature, which allows monarchists to
Find out more at:
visits and visit times jumping up since
send us their views, with a promise to
www.republic.org.uk/bonavacantia
the launch.
post their email and our reply on the
site.

5. Imagine | 5
Republican Round-up REPUBLIC TALKS
the report was full of praise for
Just before Christmas Phillipa
Andrew’s role he would be the first to
Gregory, the British historical novelist,
make it public. We can only draw our
best known for The Other Boleyn Girl
own conclusions about why he is
joined our ever growing list of high
keeping this secret.”
profile supporters. www.republic.org.uk/talks
Republic continues to visit schools,
Republic attended the Convention on
The new year got off to a bad start for
clubs and societies to give talks and
Modern Liberty in February and has
the royals, with Harry being accused
presentations on what we do and
continued to make it onto the
of being racist. Republic’s response
what we stand for. We also
airwaves, with interviews and debates
was widely reported, particularly
participate in organised debates.
on radio and TV.
following similar allegations about
Charles.
If you would like to invite Republic
Ex-footballer Stan Collymore joined
to give a talk please call Graham
the campaign after inviting Graham
Later that month Republic called for
Smith on 07747 608 770.
onto his Talk Sport radio show for a
Buckingham palace to be “fully
debate on the monarchy.
nationalised” following reports that it
In the talks we cover the key issues,
is struggling to pay for maintenance
why we campaign for the abolition
Despite the new website dominating
and repairs.
of the monarchy and what the
our time recently we have continued
alternatives are.
to take the campaign to an ever wider
We were in the news again when the
audience.
Mail on Sunday reported that prince
We also talk about what Republic
Andrew was refusing to release an
does, how we campaign and what
Don’t forget, all events information
audit report into his role as trade
plans we have for the future.
can be found online at
ambassador. Republic’s Graham
www.republic.org.uk/whatson.
Smith told the Mail: “I am sure that if
Message from the Chair
New site a hit but much more to do John Campbell
What a hectic few a wealth of new information and enough. You can help us turn up the
months it's been at analysis. Crucially, it is very easy to volume by making a donation today –
Republic! add new content so it can grow with it's easier than ever to contribute to
the campaign. our campaign fund at
First came 'The www.republic.org.uk/fundraising.
Problem Princes', the
“This is a fight between two
Dispatches documentary which The Republic team is looking forward
critically examined the roles of princes to another busy few months: our
rival campaigns. We know we
Andrew, William and Edward. The Spring and Annual conferences are
can win the argument, but only
campaign team were inundated with scheduled for April and June, Republic
new supporters and donations as a Day is back on the republican
if our voice is loud enough.”
result. It goes to show that there are calendar, an exciting new fundraising
many thousands of republicans out campaign is set for imminent launch
there who are looking for an and various talks and debates are
But it's not just the staff and Directors
organisation like Republic. Our task is planned across the country. And the
who love the new site - hundreds of
to reach out to them. Scottish campaign is being actively
you contacted us to say how much you
developed with a series of meetings
liked it. Thank you for your messages
One key way of doing that is with our scheduled which I’m confident will
of support.
website, which was recently re- lead to an active new organising
launched after a full-scale review and committee being established.
As our public profile grows, so does
re-design. the need to develop and expand. As
We simply couldn't do all this without
James Gray points out on Page 8, this
The Board of Directors and I are your support. On behalf of the Board
is a fight between two rival
thrilled with the new site, which is of Directors, thank you!
campaigns. We know we can win the
much easier to navigate and includes argument, but only if our voice is loud

6. 6 | Imagine
Our case for a
republic
This is your country. It is your
future. Your democracy. Your choice.
@republic.org.uk
The case for a republic is clear -
aspiration, responsibility and
A quick look at what’s happening
democracy, or an unaccountable
at www.republic.org.uk and around
political system at the heart of
the internet.
which is an institution based on
inheritance and exclusive privilege.
Of course the big news online is the
launch of our new website. Some of
Britain deserves the best. That means
the content from the website has
the best democracy we can create, a
From the been reproduced in this edition of
democracy that genuinely puts you,
website
Imagine.
us, in charge. Our children should be
inspired to believe they can achieve
Features include the all-new
anything they want and our democracy is the issue of princes and palaces, the
Republic TV, a series of video blogs
should reflect that sense of aspiration. accountability of the tax-funded royal
providing you with the latest news,
We should all be encouraged to take household, what a hereditary head of
views and commentary, as well as
responsibility for our own political state means for Britain and the
interviews with our high profile and
affairs, and our democracy should problems with leaving such an
eminent supporters.
embody that responsibility. important office to chance. Both these
sides of the debate raise serious
We have also improved the payment
questions about Britain and our
“The monarchy is the heart of forms for new and renewing
constitution. For both issues
members, with a focus on asking
republicanism provides powerful and
the British constitution and as
supporters to make monthly
persuasive answers.
such it denies us the best contributions rather than single
annual payments.
Our constitution is fundamentally
democracy we could have.”
undemocratic. Sure, it has some
The Blog and In the News posts are
features of a democracy - for example
now featured on the home page, and
we are permitted to elect just under
The monarchy does none of these
we’ve set up a Twitter account,
half of our parliament - but at its core
things. It embodies a spirit of
which allows you to follow what
British politics concentrates
deference and dependence on others.
we’re doing online.
unaccountable and unlimited power in
It robs us of aspiration, telling us that
the hands of a few, at the top.
even the wisest and most talented
A lot more information has been
commoner is no match for even the
added and you can find this by using
Some people will tell you that the
most unpleasant and immoral royal.
the Find out more menu which is
monarchy is little more than a
Most crucially though, the monarchy is
featured on most pages. You can
harmless decoration, a novelty left
the heart of the British constitution
also easily print any page, or choose
over from our past. It isn't. It is the
and as such it denies us the best
to print all the ‘find out more’ pages
basis and the heart of our
democracy we could have. It keeps
as a single document - perfect for
constitution. This is why the abolition
from us the power to rule ourselves, it
using as an information sheet for
of the monarchy is the most important
crushes the democratic spirit in order
talks and presentations.
of all possible political reforms. It will
to justify its own existence.
lead to a unique opportunity to deal
The site is not cast in stone - we will
with all the problems in our political
Our case for a republic comes in two
continue to review and develop our
system.
forms. There is the issue of power and
online presence and suggestions are
politics, how the monarchy is the
most welcome - just send an email to
centre of our constitution and what it
the usual address.
means for our democracy. And there Continued opposite

7. Imagine | 7
Citizens
your power the give it the best. This is
Continued from opposite
our country, these decisions are ours
Lottery
We will also then address the issue of to make. Do you want your children
the monarchy itself, the question of and grandchildren to still be living
what a hereditary head of state says with the monarchy in 100 years time? Formerly the 100 Club
about Britain, the way we leave the Or will we together make the decision
The Winners Are
important choice of head of state to to end this now and give Britain the
chance and how accountable and democracy it deserves?
A Davies - £102.00 (Nov)
transparent the royal household really
is. Some will tell you that this is all too
E Newbigging - £106.80 (Dec)
difficult, that we should accept the
We have a choice. We can leave things monarchy as fact and just look to
D Bennington - £109.60 (Jan)
as they are and face the prospect of a smaller, more achievable reforms. We
politically active King Charles residing don't believe in surrendering to those
Since 2006 members have been
in an unaccountable and wasteful who benefit the most from our
winning cash prizes in Republic’s
palace. We can continue to tolerate undemocratic constitution. We mustn't
very own lottery fundraiser.
nepotism, corruption and abuse of abandon our responsibility to improve
privilege at the heart of our our country for future generations.
It’s very easy to do, just complete
constitution, we can continue to tell
the form which came with your
our children they will never be good This is our country and our
Welcome Pack when you joined or
enough to be our head of state... or democracy. If a reform is important -
request a form and we’ll pop one in
we can opt for the change this country and this is the most important reform
the post for you.
needs. of all - then is it worth fighting for. We
believe it is a fight that can be won,
Every month a prize ticket is drawn.
Britain deserves the best, and its in and won soon, with your help.
You can enter as many times as you
like by setting up a standing order
Monarchy doesn’t work to purchase regular tickets - each
pound paid is equal to a ticket in
the draw.
The monarchy is damaging to those
Remember, the more tickets sold
caught up in it, it is unaccountable
the bigger the prizes!
and it acts as a drag on our
democratic process. This is a broken
BE IN IT TO WIN IT!
institution that long ago abdicated
all responsibility for power but
continues to take what it can from
the taxpayer.
purpose. There are some powers she
The monarchy is a 'broke' institution. can and has used, but on these
Constitutionally it has abdicated all occasions we are reminded why the
From the
responsibility. For most of the time monarchy is unacceptable in a modern
website
the Queen is both powerless and democracy. The Queen can, for
pointless. example, play a role in choosing our
prime minister. It's a job an elected
“The most talented and
There is a cosy arrangement in place president could play if we had a hung
accomplished commoner is
which allows the government of the parliament, but an unelected,
day to exercise the Queen's power in unaccountable monarch has no right
expected to defer to princes
return for political support for the to interfere in our political process.
Harry and William.”
monarchy. Officials use euphemisms
to hide the true nature of this deal - It's not just the institution that is
they say the Queen acts quot;on the advice dysfunctional. In it we have a family of
about the Queen owning land, palaces
of the prime ministerquot;, meaning she fairly ordinary, uninspiring individuals
and priceless art quot;in trust for the
does what she is told. We hear debate who represent the very worst of Britain
nationquot;, which simply means we pay
about the quot;royal prerogativesquot;, which - snobbish, elitist and utterly out of
for them and she keeps them.
can be more accurately described as
quot;prime ministerial powersquot;. They talk Politically the monarch serves little Continued on page 9

8. 8 | Imagine
‘Standards’ campaign set
for launch at conference
Republic is to launch a campaign on The purpose of the campaign is to
‘standards in public life’ at this year’s expose the monarchy’s waste,
Spring Conference. The aim is to extravagance, lack of accountability,
apply the same standards which are self-serving secrecy and dishonest
demanded of politicians, public financial reporting.
officials and other public authorities
to the royal household. We will be using Freedom of
Information requests and other
The official standards, which are research methods to illustrate how the
monitored by the Committee on royal household falls short on every
‘Seven Principles’ of Selflessness,
Standards in Public Life, are summed one of the seven principles of
Integrity, Objectivity, Accountability,
up in what the Committee calls its standards in public life.
Openness, Honesty and Leadership.
Fundraising news For every £1 Republic spends on
James Gray
from getting our message across, the
monarchy currently spends at least
The last month has are minimal. £33. Over the next few weeks and
seen two major events months we're going to be asking you
in the life of our And who can blame them? After all, to help close that gap.
campaign. The airing the monarchy works very, very hard to
of the highly-critical give that impression.
“We have thousands of hugely
Dispatches
committed and enthusiastic
documentary 'The Problem Princes' But the monarchy isn't still here
and the re-launch of our website. because the British public are
supporters prepared to dip into
inherently anti-democratic or because
their own pockets.”
The surge in support that resulted we truly adore the royals. The
from these events highlights the monarchy is still here because it
importance of communication – spends hundreds of thousands of
getting our message across to the pounds campaigning. Think of the monarchy and Republic
right people at the right time. as two rival presidential campaigns.
Ultimately, it's a battle of ideas,
online@
principles and values. But often it’s
republic.org.uk/fundraising
“For every £1 Republic spends who can outspend the other that
decides the result.
on getting our message across, And make no mistake, the royals and
the monarchy currently spends their PR team are running a relentless If our marketing budgets were that bit
campaign. Think of Charles' recent closer, the fight would really be on.
at least £33.” jaunt to South America where he
lectured us on climate change and The monarchy may have an almost
bothered elderly tortoises. Think of
This is something the monarchy has unlimited source of funds – you, the
William and Harry going on an African
known for many years, of course: a taxpayer. But we have thousands of
adventure to raise a few quid for
team of twenty PR people work full- hugely committed and enthusiastic
charity (while charging the taxpayer
time to promote the royals, at a cost supporters like you who are prepared
many times that amount for security).
of around £1 million every year. to dip into their own pockets and help
Think of the Queen visiting Google or drive forward change.
telling Lewis Hamilton what a fan of F1
We tend to think of the monarchy as a
she is.
passive institution, something that is James Gray is Republic’s full-time
simply there. Even some republicans Development Manager, with
These stunts make the evening news
believe that monarchy is so deeply particular responsibility for
fundraising and membership
because of months of expensive
embedded in British society and
development.
behind-the-scenes manoeuvring.
culture that the chances of shifting it

9. Imagine | 9
The British Constitution
Monarchy doesn’t work
Continued from page 7
* Common Law
touch with the rest of the country. The
* Conventions
Windsors just keep on taking from the
* Royal Prerogative
taxpayer and give very little back.
* Works of authority
Despite doing little and achieving even
less, they demand respect and
This means it requires a considerable
deference from everyone. The most
amount of study and probably a
talented and accomplished commoner
degree in politics or law to fully
is expected to defer to princes Harry
understand how Britain is governed. It
and William. Scientists, architects and
is one of the least intelligible, least
a host of other professionals, who
democratic and least accountable
From the
have earned doctorates and
constitutions in the democratic world.
website
professorships, are lectured and
Contrast this with, say, Ireland, which
patronised by Charles, who demands
has a simple and readable written
he be heard and taken seriously for no
constitution, clearly setting out who
We enjoy some features of a
reason other than his rank.
has what power, how they got it and
democracy, but our constitution is
how they can be removed from office.
profoundly undemocratic. It is quot;not
worth the paper it's not written onquot;
“The Windsors employ a huge In any constitution, power has to come
according to one MP. Professor
PR team who work around the from somewhere and must reside with
Stephen Haseler once described it
someone. In Britain it comes from the
as quot;whatever the government wants
clock to promote the royal Crown and resides with the
it to bequot;.
brand.” government and parliament. The
people barely get a look-in, being
The British constitution is unwritten
given only the occasional chance to
or, to be more precise, 'uncodified'.
Desperate to defend their privilege the participate in the formal political
This means that, unlike in most
Windsors employ a huge PR team who process.
modern democracies, there is no
work around the clock to promote the
single document which explains how
royal brand. Unable to point to any One key feature of the constitution is
we are governed.
meaningful purpose the Windsors the continuation of arbitrary,
claim simply to quot;work hardquot;, despite unlimited and unaccountable power -
Instead constitutional experts point to
the evidence. They repeatedly remind all of which derive from the Crown.
a number of treaties, laws and
us of what they do for charity, Most of these are exercised by the
conventions (another word for 'habits')
although what they do is of government, some continue to be
which together make up the
questionable value and could be done exercised by the Queen.
constitution. These include:
without the royal titles and the
hundreds of servants. Read more at www.republic.org.uk/
* Acts of Parliament
britishconstitution
* Treaties
It's not all their fault though. Let us
* EU law
spare a sympathetic thought for the
Windsor family. They are dysfunctional
Republic Day ‘09 ▪ June 2nd
and eccentric because of the bizarre
institution into which they have been
Republic Day is back! This year we’ll be asking you to take just one campaign
born. It is a cruel abuse that starts
action on June 2nd, to mark the day when we celebrate the republican tradition
from birth, always being told what
and the contemporary campaign. More details will be posted online soon and
they cannot do, who they cannot sent to you in a Campaign Alert email.
marry, what careers they cannot
pursue. Always being surrounded by the evidence of his own academic “REPUBLIC TOWN” coming soon
sycophants and lackeys who never say record. The monarchy is as damaging
'no' or offer them any criticism or A new community campaign
to the Windsors as it is to our
scheme - Republic Town - is being
honest guidance. No wonder Charles democracy.
developed. The scheme is aimed at
believes he has the answers to the
providing opportunities for
world's problems - he's always been Read more at www.republic.org.uk/
members to get involved, wherever
told how brilliant he is, regardless of monarchy
you live.

10. 10 | Imagine
Republic Replies
Republic answers the most common
monarchist arguments.
They say: “The Windsors work
hard for Britain!”
REPUBLIC REPLIES The new website prominently features
the all-new Republic TV. The online
TV series will include comment and
Let's assume for a moment that the
analysis from Republic staff, vox-pops
Windsors do work hard, is this an ‘Engagements’ are not hard work.
on the street and interviews with our
argument for the monarchy? Should
high profile and eminent supporters.
we appoint a head of state, MPs or
Windsors are very good at working
other officials based on who works the
We received an excellent response
three days a week, five months of a
most hours in the year?
from members and supporters earlier
year and making it look as though
in the year, when we asked for
they work hard.” More recently the
Nurses, teachers, manual workers,
suggestions for who we could invite
Channel 4 Dispatches programme
police officers and even City bankers -
onto Republic TV for interviews.
showed just how little work the royals
these are people who work hard. To
Republicans and non-republicans alike
do. They tell us they do lots of
compare the royals' lifestyle with
were suggested, including: Michael
’engagements’ each year, but as the
theirs is absurd. The royals are paid
Rosen, Tony Benn, Eddie Izzard, Boris
documentary showed, those
astronomic hourly rates for their
Johnson, Benjamin Zephaniah, Jack
engagements amount to very little
Straw and Richard Dawkins.
actual work. Many are sporting or
“Windsors are very good at
cultural events, such as watching a
working three days a week, five The very first interview was with
rugby game. Few last for more than
author and journalist Joan Smith, who
an hour.
months of a year and making it
talked about her republicanism and
look as though they work hard.” why she refused an OBE. That
Importantly, at no time do the
interview and one with John Cole are
Windsors have to do anything for
now online.
which they will be held accountable.
quot;workquot; and yet accept none of the
Every detail of every engagement is
risks of redundancy or formal
planned and organised for them - all
performance appraisals, and do not
WIN A MUG
they have to do is turn up. If they say
have the same chores and
or do the wrong thing there are no
Q
responsibilities the rest of us face at
Which of the three armed
consequences for them. They are
home.
services does not swear
never required to make serious
an oath of allegiance to
decisions affecting the lives of others.
The simple truth is that they do very
the Queen?
They play at working, much like
little. Mark Bolland, former press
children play at ’doctors and nurses’.
officer for Prince Charles, was quoted
A
The idea the Windsors actually work
on Janet Street Porter's BBC
Answers to the usual
hard is an insult to those who do.
programme in 2005 as saying quot;the
address or email by April
Stan Collymore joins live on air 20th.
Sports commentator and former website Graham
footballer Stan Collymore publicly asked if he would
backed Republic during a live debate like to be added
on Talk Sport radio. Stan had invited to the list. Stan
Graham Smith onto his radio show to agreed
debate the monarchy and made his immediately and
own views clear during the discussion. the lively debate
When he pointed out a number of our continued.
high profile supporters listed on our

11. Imagine | 11
Swedish take on their monarchy
Board
Republicans in Sweden launched a
News
new campaign in January, with a
striking advert carried in the national
press contrasting their head of state
by Gareth Robson
with the election of Obama.
Scotland, Canada and Sweden were all
The republican group has been in topics of discussion at our last Board
touch with Republic and we will be meeting. The Republic Scotland
working on building an alliance in due project continues with a parliamentary
course, similar to the Common Cause reception in late March and plans for a
alliance we have with our counterparts new organising committee to be set
in the Commonwealth. up in Edinburgh and Glasgow.
Sweden is facing a renewed debate We were delighted to hear the Swedish
about their monarchy as they gear up campaign had been in touch and fully
for an expensive and high profile royal supported any joint projects our
wedding in 2010. teams think will further our common
cause. We were also more than happy
The republicans explain the nature of to show solidarity with our
their monarchy on their website counterparts in Canada and welcomed
No we can’t: The Swedish advert.
(www.repf.se - in English as well as the idea of asking members to email
Swedish). They say: messages of support for the Canadian
legal challenge against their oath of
on foreign affairs.
“According to the Instrument of allegiance for citizenship. I
▪ He or she is the foremost
Government from 1974, the Swedish understand this scheme attracted a lot
representative of the Swedish
monarch should fulfil the following of interest from our supporters.
defence establishment and holds
duties: supreme rank in each of the service
The Board continues to keep a close
arms, as well as being honorary
▪ eye on our finances and I hope you
The monarch is the head of state. commander (Colonel-in-Chief) of
will all take particular notice of the
▪ certain military units.
He or she heads the special cabinet
fundraising section in this edition of
▪
council held when there is a As Sweden's foremost
Imagine.
change of government, and also representative in relation to other
the regular quot;information councilsquot; countries, the monarch receives
with the members of the the credentials of foreign
Director
Government. ambassadors and signs those of
▪ Sweden's ambassadors.
He or she opens the Riksdag, the
Profile
Swedish parliament, every year.
The formal authorities of the Swedish
▪ He or she chairs meetings of the
monarch are greatly restricted, but
Advisory Council on Foreign NAME: Naomi Phillips
looking at the list above that does not
Affairs, the members of which are DIRECTOR SINCE: Oct 2008
mean that the head of state lacks
appointed by the Riksdag to hold
Naomi works for the British Humanist
political significance.”
consultations with the Government
Association,
following a spell
Commons questions Buck House working in a
policy team at the
Ministry of Justice.
The Public Accounts Committee palace couldn’t be more open to She has gained
recently grilled managers from tourists. Conservative Edward Leigh awards from both
the University of
Buckingham palace over the state of MP told the palace officials: quot;you
Manchester and the LSE for her
their finances and their recent cannot close the entire Palace because
academic achievements in the fields
demands for more cash. the Duke of York is sitting in his flat of Social Policy and Gender.
upstairs.”
Naomi joined the Board at last year’s
Ian Davidson MP and others were not
Annual General Meeting.
pleased with excuses as to why the www.republic.org.uk/royalproperty

12. Republic is a campaigning
organisation supported by
thousands of British citizens around
the country. It’s easy to get
involved. This regular page shows
you some of the simple things you
can do to help promote Republic
and make the case for change.
online@
republic.org.uk/takeaction
Joining Facebook can spread the word far and wide
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Facebook is one of the major
phenomena of the internet age. With Republic’s campaign work relies on
over 175 million active users, and with the support of people like you,
each user on average linking their citizens who are committed to the
idea of a republic. If you’re not a
profiles with 120 other ‘friends’ it is
member already you can join online
no wonder the site has attracted the
or over the phone.
attention of campaigners and
politicians. www.republic.org.uk - 08708 508 825
Republic signed up to Facebook eighteen
months ago and has an active page and
TOP TIP
a number of groups set up.
While there is a lot we can do to continue
to promote Republic via Facebook, there Sign up to Twitter, the new
is a lot more you can do too.
social networking site. It’s
easy to do from the Republic
Tell the World
website… then ‘follow’ what
Republic is doing online and
Visit our “On Facebook” page at www.republic.org.uk/onfacebook to find
out more about how you can use the site to promote our campaign. ‘re-tweet’ the latest news.
Some of the ideas are pretty simple and allow you to tell all your Facebook
From Kim Thomas
friends about us at the click of a button.
Republic member
Every page on Republic’s website has its own ‘Share’ button, allowing you
to instantly post the page on your Facebook profile. You can also lend us
Send your Top Tip to
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Imagine: how far
can yours go?
Did you know, this magazine is a You could even leave it lying around
valuable promotional opportunity in waiting rooms or staff canteens.
waiting to happen?
Help spread the word and promote
Once you’ve read it, don’t file it in Republic with your copy of Imagine.
the bin, pass it on to friends, family Leave your copy around for
or work colleagues. someone to discover.
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