1. TH E V OI C E OF T H E REPUB LI CAN M OV EM ENT
2011 • Issue 1 • FREE
Widespread disinterest in
royal wedding as Republic
is busier than ever
Republic has seen a huge surge in interest since the is a grudging indifference from the vast majority and some
announcement of the royal wedding in November, positive coverage from the ever-loyal BBC.’
attracting hundreds of new members, thousands of Public opinion is turning off the royal family with polls
new supporters and overwhelming interest from the and surveys showing widespread disinterest in the royal
international media. wedding. The Observer, among
The Republic website, others, has reported record
Facebook page and Twitter profile numbers of bookings for flights
have been busier than ever with out of the country and polling
republicans joining, donating and has shown a majority have no
pledging support. An army of new interest in marking the wedding
volunteers have come forward to day. The Observer reported:
offer their skills to the cause and “On Oxford Street yesterday,
journalists from around the world a shop owner who didn’t want
have visited Republic activists to to be named admitted that
find out more about their plans there was little interest in Kate/
for the wedding day. Wills memorabilia. Tourists were
‘We’ve been struggling to buying union-jack-emblazoned
keep up with demand,’ says Cathy products for their kitsch appeal.
Elliott, Republic’s administrative Paula Hilton, 26, from Lancaster,
assistant. ‘Every day we have in London with her mother
more new members, merchandise Elizabeth, 56, for the weekend,
orders and enquiries from people was buying her son a model of
who want to get actively involved.’ a London taxi. “I wouldn’t come
Republic now has more than twelve thousand supporters near London on the day,” she said. “I’ll have a look at the
and expects to see that number grow steadily up to and dress in the paper or whatever, but I’m not invited so I’m
beyond the wedding day. not watching!”
The response is far removed from the predictions of On announcing
monarchists – and a few republicans – who predicted Republic’s own events
the royal wedding would be bad news for the republican Graham Smith told
movement. It appears that the PR campaign orchestrated journalists: “The
by Buckingham Palace, and shored up by Parliament and problem the palace is
the media, may have backfired. going to have to come Page 2
‘For the first time in years people have begun to think to terms with is that Media round up
critically about the royal family and the monarchy,’ explains most people are no longer Page 3
Republic’s Graham Smith. ‘All those people who never had interested in the royals. That Investigation into Andrew
much time for the royals have been motivated like never leaves the field open to Republic Page 4
before to do something about it. And in a 24-hour news to make the case for change in Republic wedding events
world where tension, debate and fresh angles keep the a positive and engaging way Page 7
cogs turning, we’ll have more opportunities than ever to and this is a great oppor- Republic’s Palace protest
get our message across. The best the palace can hope for tunity to do just that.”

2. MEDIA ROUND UP Republic calls for investigation after
The Republic team’s trip to trying to abolish Her days after he ordered troops
string of allegations against Andrew
Stockholm to find out how Majesty? Off with their to fire on pro-democracy
the Swedish Republican wigs!’ said the demonstrators – was a to dictatorial regimes in the Middle East and the
Movement capitalised on pseudonymous diarist. ‘catastrophic error of blurring of his public and private interests.
anti-monarchy feeling at the judgement’. “It is clear that the continued speculation
time of their royal wedding The internal VisitBritain about the Duke’s friendships, business interests
was reported by The correspondence obtained by Roy Greenslade reported and professional conduct risks bringing UKTI, the
Independent. Republic – which revealed on Republic’s Buckingham Department for Business and the Foreign Office
royal weddings have Palace protest against the into disrepute,” the letter said.
The Times included a previously had a negative monarchy’s exemption from “Had any one of these allegations been made
two-page feature on impact on tourism – was freedom of information rules against another public official, such as an MP
Republic’s plans for the reported by The Guardian on his blog for The Guardian.
or civil servant, they would result in immediate
royal wedding, later reprinted and mentioned by Republic The protest was also covered
suspension followed by an internal investigation
in Canadian newspaper supporter Joan Smith in her in detail by The Observer.
and quite probably resignation or dismissal.”
The Ottawa Citizen. Independent on Sunday
Republic’s response to Labour MP Chris Bryant called for Andrew to be
column.
The Daily Mail’s Ephraim continued speculation dismissed from his trade role during an emergency
Hardcastle column focused The Guardian, The Express surrounding Prince Parliamentary session on the Libya crisis, but was
on the three QCs on and The Telegraph all Andrew’s role as trade reprimanded by Speaker John Bercow, who said
Republic’s supporters list: reported Republic’s view envoy was reported by Republic has lodged a formal complaint with UK references to the royal family in Parliament should
Michael Mansfield, Geoffrey that the Queen’s decision The Guardian, The Trade & Investment calling for an investigation be “very rare, very sparing and very respectful”.
Robertson and Anthony to invite the King of Bahrain Telegraph, The Daily Mail into a string of damaging allegations relating to Republic branded Bercow’s intervention “a
Scrivener. ‘Queen’s Counsel to the royal wedding – just and The Express. Prince Andrew, the organisation’s ‘trade envoy’. disgrace”.
The complaint highlights recent reports Andrew’s role is officially voluntary, despite
concerning Andrew’s friendship with the convicted costing the taxpayer around £700,000 in food,
sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, his personal links drink, travel and hospitality expenses.
CONTACT REPUBLIC
Republic Campaign
Suite 14040 Republic heads to Oslo as plans for
145-157 St John Street
London EC1V 4PY ‘monarchy-free Europe’ take shape
T: 020 7608 5742
Representatives of Republic travelled to Oslo in March to
meet colleagues from the Alliance of European Republican
Movements and to mark the formal launch of the Norwegian
republican movement.
The Alliance is formed of republican organisations from Spain,
Republic relies on the financial the Netherlands, Belgium, Denmark, Norway and Sweden,
support of republicans like you. who share resources and expertise with the ultimate aim of a
ed up to ‘monarchy-free Europe’.
A re you sign Every donation, no matter how A range of campaigning topics were discussed, including
email list?
Republic’s
working with the media, lobbying politicians and fundraising,
small, will make a huge difference. while delegates made plans for future collaborative projects and
ould be
If not you c nt joint initiatives. Graham Smith was guest speaker at the launch
on importa
missing out event which was attended by local members as well as BBC radio.
vitations Donate online at www.republic.org.uk/donate
updates, in Republic’s Graham Smith with Max Hermansen
ign actions. or call 020 7608 5742 The next meeting of the Alliance will be held in London on
and campa Saturday April 30th, the day after the royal wedding.
from the Norwegian republican movement
.org.uk or
w.republic
Sig n up at wwh your email address.
wit
contact us
2 For more news from Republic go to www.republic.org.uk 3

3. ‘Not the royal wedding’ republican street party
WEDDING EVENTS
Friday April 29th – 11.30-4pm
Earlham Street, London WC2
See www.republic.org.uk for details
Join us in central London on April 29th for Republic’s ‘Not
the Royal Wedding’ alternative street party.
We’ve taken a ‘traditional’ royalist street party as our
Republicans may be immune to ‘royal wedding fever’, but they are inspiration, but there will be one key difference – we’ll
be celebrating democracy and people-power rather than
determined not to repeat the mistakes of previous generations of anti- inherited privilege.
monarchists by sniping from the sidelines. With food, stalls and entertainment, Republic’s alternative street party is sure to be a fun day out.
But there will also be a very serious message – Britain’s 10 million republicans won’t be ignored, and
“Royalists would like nothing more than for republicans to live up to the stereotype of snarling,
we certainly won’t be hiding. We’re out and proud and determined to succeed!
cantankerous killjoys,” explains Dr Emily Robinson, executive chair of Republic. “That’s why we’ll
be using the opportunity to show that there’s a strong, positive alternative to the monarchy.” Party-goers will have the opportunity to discuss the campaign with republican activists and find out
how they can get involved in a real movement for change.
Inspired by the Swedish Republican Movement, which received a huge boost when Crown
Princess Victoria married in Stockholm last year, Robinson hopes that British republicans will
be similarly motivated to take part in a national day of action. Three events across two days will
celebrate republicanism, raise awareness of the republican movement and act as a launch pad
for a stronger and louder campaign. ‘Love Republic’ party and fundraiser
“Our advice to republicans who are sick of the wedding is: please don’t flee to France!” she
implores. “Come to one of Republic’s events, organise your own or celebrate Britain’s proud Friday April 29th – 7:30pm onwards
tradition of radicalism and democratic reform in some other way. This really is a huge opportunity Borough Bar, 10-18 London Bridge Street,
for the republican movement!”
London SE1
Tickets £8. See www.republic.org.uk for details
Republic is proud to host a night of top music and
Can’t make it to London? Wedding Appeal
entertainment to conclude the royal wedding day in style.
We’ve hired a whole bar right by London Bridge station
for the occasion, and we’re lining up a schedule of live
We want to see big crowds at our London bands, comedy fun and special surprises to make sure the
events, but if you can’t make it to the capital Our plans for the roayl wedding have
republican shindig outshines all the rest.
don’t worry, there’s plenty you can do to support attracted a lot of media attention, now we
our campaign – we want to see republican need you to help us make this opportunity The party kicks off at 7.30pm and goes on ‘til late, with a DJ from 10pm. Tickets are strictly limited to
events in front rooms, pubs and town halls a great success for our campaign. 250 which will all be sold in advance. Unfortunately we can’t allow entry on the night without a ticket!
across the country! If you’re tired of the saturation coverage of
Cardiff, Manchester, Edinburgh, Glasgow the wedding, the fawning BBC reports, the
If you live in any of these cities and would like sycophantic politicians and the endless hype
then support our appeal today and help us
to organise a Republic event for the day of the
royal wedding then please get in touch with challenge this nonsense. European Alliance Convention
Sophie Deboick at sophie@republic.org.uk. In Your donation will make a difference, however
these cities we will offer additional assistance to much you can afford: Now is a great time to Saturday April 30th – From 2pm
anyone wanting to organise events. be a republican and the wedding is a great
Directory of Social Change, 24 Stephenson Way, London NW1
opportunity for us to press ahead with our
Elsewhere in the UK campaign. So please dig deep and support
If you live elsewhere our DIY pack gives A public meeting and press conference, held the day after the wedding, where we will announce our
our Wedding Appeal! ambitious new plans to rid Britain of the monarchy.
you practical advice and pointers on how to
organise a party or event in your local area. The Please donate at: We’ll be joined by republicans from all the large European monarchies – Spain, the Netherlands,
pack is available to download from www.republic.org.uk/weddingappeal Belgium, Denmark, Norway and Sweden – our friends from the Alliance of European Republican
www.republic.org.uk or by emailing Sophie Thank you for your support. Movements, aiming for a monarchy-free Europe.
at sophie@republic.org.uk.
4 Read what we’ve got to say at www.republic.org.uk/blog 5

4. BBC bosses meet with Republic Republicans stage Palace
to discuss ‘pro-monarchy bias’ protest against royal secrecy
A delegation of republican activists met with The letter urged BBC executives to re-categorise Republic supporters defied a ban on protesting Heather Brooke, wrote to deputy prime minister
BBC executives after Republic accused the the monarchy as a “controversial subject” within outside Buckingham Palace by holding a ‘flash Nick Clegg to urge him to open up the monarchy
broadcaster of “widespread and institutionalised its editorial guidelines, a step which would ensure mob’ demonstration to highlight the monar- to public scrutiny.
bias in favour of the monarchy”. more rigorous standards of impartiality and broader chy’s continued exemption from freedom of in- “The message of the protest was very clear: the
In a letter to David Jordan, the BBC’s director of representation of republican views. Republic says formation rules. level of secrecy surrounding the royals is indefensi-
editorial policy, Republic said that the Corporation’s it will pursue the matter through “parliament and The protestors, surrounded by national and world ble in a modern democracy,” said Republic director
“fawning” coverage of the monarchy, especially the courts” if the broadcaster does not address its media, held placards saying ‘What have they got to Jayde Bradley, who co-ordinated the protest.
since the announcement of the royal wedding, concerns. hide?’ and ‘End the royal secrecy’. Police officers “Nick Clegg is currently expanding freedom of
has had the effect of “excluding, offending, The letter noted that since the announcement chose to let the protest go ahead, despite rules information rules – there is no good reason why he
disparaging and marginalising” Britain’s ten to of the engagement in November the BBC News which outlaw demonstrations outside the palace. shouldn’t include the monarchy in those changes.”
twelve million republicans. website has published over 100 stories related The royal household, unlike every other public This demonstration was the first time that
“It is clear to us that the wedding is being used to the royals, many of which simply relayed authority, has always been exempt from the Republic has been able to hold a protest outside
as part of this continuing PR campaign to shore up information provided by the palace press office. Freedom of Information Act – and the coalition the Palace without being moved on by police.
support for the monarchy,” the letter said. “It is Only one made any substantial reference to government recently moved to make that “That’s a very significant step for our campaign
appropriate for the palace to provide opportunities Republic or republicanism. exemption absolute. and we plan to hold many more demonstrations in
for their supporters to join in any celebrations The letter was reported by BBC Radio 4 and Five On the day before the protest, distinguished the future,” said Bradley.
they may hold. What is not appropriate however Live news, as well as The Daily Mail. “If the BBC is supporters of Republic, including constitutional law More protests, to be held at various times and
is for the BBC to join in those celebrations, to not prepared to change its approach then we’ll look expert Professor Adam Tomkins and campaigner days, are planned over the coming months.
allow itself to be co-opted by the palace press at all options, including legal action,” Republic’s
office or to abandon its usually high standards of Graham Smith told journalists. “The BBC’s standards
impartiality when reporting an event such as the of impartiality are usually extremely high – we simply
royal wedding.” want to ensure it applies them to the monarchy.”
Quango’s secret emails: royal
weddings are bad for tourism
Don’t be a mug – buy one When the wedding of William and Kate was
announced in November last year, Britain’s national
warning went unheeded, however, and the agency
continued to make unsubstantiated claims about
tourism agency VisitBritain confidently told the press the wedding’s impact on tourism.
Royalists are spoiled for choice when it comes to wedding that the event would bring “a major boost to tourism Staff also confirmed that VisitBritain has “never
memorabilia - stamps, spoons, crockery, even condoms. and the British economy”. The claim commissioned any specific research
But for republicans there can be only one wedding was repeated by VisitBritain’s chief into the link between tourism income
souvenir: Republic’s ‘Not the royal wedding mug’. executive Sandie Dawe in a number and the monarchy” despite claiming
of broadcast interviews. in its wedding press release that
But emails released to Republic “Britain’s Monarchy is a crucial part
under freedom of information of the appeal this country offers as a
Launched the day after the engagement was announced, rules revealed that previous royal tourism destination”.
the mug has proved a surprise hit, with the initial order weddings have actually reduced “VisitBritain is supposed to
selling out in days. Republic has secured more stock, and tourism income. As VisitBritain be an independent and credible
a warehouse from which to distribute it, but anticipates prepared to issue a press statement tourism body,” Republic’s Graham
running out long before April 29. celebrating the wedding announcement, the Smith told The Guardian, “yet it has apparently
agency’s head of research and forecasting David flatly contradicted its own internal evidence so it
With all proceeds going to fund republican campaigning Edwards cautioned colleagues that “the evidence can play along with this fiction that the monarchy
over the coming months, this mug is more than just a points to royal weddings having a negative impact – and specifically the wedding – is a boost for the
memento – it could help to brew a revolution. on inbound tourism, not a boost.” Edwards’s tourism industry.”
Go to www.republic.org.uk/shop to gets now.
6 Help us create a democratic Britain by making a donation at www.republic.org.uk/donate 7

5. Introducing Republic Republic’s
publications
Find out more
about the arguments
Republicans are people like you who simply want what’s
in favour of real
best for Britain. Our campaign is supported by ordinary constitutional change.
hard working people from all corners of the country
and from all walks of life. We are united in a belief in
responsibility, aspiration and, above all, democracy.
We want a democratically accountable head of state and an end to
any constitutional role for the royal family.
We advocate keeping our parliamentary democracy but replacing
the unelected monarch with a directly elected,
ceremonial and constitutional head of state.
Republic is a campaigning pressure group.
Everything we do is aimed at persuading ordinary
people – and our politicians – to support a
democratic alternative to the monarchy. Find out more at
www.republic.org.uk/shop
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