A new book, written by a Lancaster University lecturer, which examines the British monarchy's place in today's society will be published later this month.
'What is the Monarchy for?', penned by media lecturer Dr Laura Clancy, looks at whether the monarchy, a fundamental and instantly recognisable element of the UK 'brand', benefits the UK or causes more harm than good?
"Prince Harry and Meghan Markle's 'exit' cast light on institutional racism, allegations against Prince Andrew highlight troubling attitudes to gender and power and the abolition of monarchy in Barbados accentuated its relationship to colonialism," says Dr Clancy.
"And the death of Queen Elizabeth II and the dawn of the Carolean age makes these questions more pertinent than ever."
A frequent media commentator and also author of 'Running the Family Firm: How the monarchy manages its image and our money', Dr Clancy demystifies and evaluates the monarchy, showing why, she says, republicanism is nothing to fear.
A lecturer in media in the Department of Sociology at Lancaster University, her research focuses on issues of inequality, particularly 'the elites' and the monarchy.
What is the Monarchy For? by Laura Clancy is published by Bristol University Press on 29 April (price £8.99). Copies can be ordered from all good retailers and the Bristol University Press website .
The book is part of the 'What is it For?' series, edited by George Miller, an exploration of the core elements shaping our world. The series offers fresh, forward-thinking insights in which leading experts present groundbreaking ideas and point to ways forward for real change, urging us to envision a brighter future.
