David Dimbleby’s new documentary series, 'What’s the Monarchy For?', has been described as a 'demolition' of the royals, with the former BBC presenter now free to challenge the institution he once covered. In the first episode, Dimbleby questions the power and influence of the monarchy, particularly King Charles III, and whether it is compatible with democracy.
Dimbleby highlights the weekly meetings between the prime minister and the monarch, and the king’s prolific letter-writing, which often lands on ministers’ desks. He presses interviewees on why the king’s opinions should hold sway when he was not elected. The programme exposes what it calls the 'inherent absurdity' of a monarchy, exemplified by ceremonies involving a 'jewelled velvet hat'.
Former attorney general Dominic Grieve is challenged over his refusal to release the king’s letters, with Dimbleby calling his justification 'pure hypocrisy'. The letters, eventually published, revealed lobbying on issues from beef farming to military helicopters. However, the programme suggests the king’s actual influence on policy may be limited.
The documentary also examines the 2019 prorogation of parliament, concluding that the queen could not stop Boris Johnson’s actions, as it would have appeared politically partisan. Dimbleby notes that the monarch’s 'soft power' abroad, such as Queen Elizabeth II’s visits to Ireland, can achieve results politicians cannot, but again under government direction.
