Down with the Royals

After Diana, there seemed some hope that Britain would finally grow up and get rid of the monarchy, a symbol of inequality and privilege. But the royals have been smart and were able to cleverly re-invent and thus re-establish the institution. Now with William, Kate, and baby George, it has become almost treasonable to argue for an elected head of state. But that is exactly why it must be done, according to Joan Smith.

Joan Smith is a columnist, novelist and human rights activist. She is the author of Moralities, the highly praised and celebrated Misogynies, most recently The Public Woman and five detective novels. She is co-chair of the Mayor of London's Violence Against Women and Girls panel.