"Something as curious as the monarchy won't survive unless you take account of people's attitudes. After all, if people don't want it, they won't have it"

Prince Charles expresses a pragmatic understanding of the monarchy’s precarious place in modern society. Describing the monarchy as “curious” implies its unusual and possibly anachronistic character, especially in a contemporary context where democratic values and public participation shape governance. He acknowledges that the monarchy, despite its centuries-old legacy and ritual, is not immune to change or even dissolution. Tradition alone isn’t sufficient for the monarchy’s survival; it must remain in tune with shifting public views.

People’s attitudes are, in his estimation, the true foundation of the crown’s continued existence. Monarchies historically claimed legitimacy through divine right or inherited authority, expecting automatic acceptance. However, Charles suggests that in today’s world, legitimacy is continually renegotiated between the institution and the populace. If the monarchy appears out of touch, overly privileged, or irrelevant, it risks losing not just popularity but its very justification.

By stating “if people don’t want it, they won’t have it,” Charles implies that the British royal family’s future is ultimately at the mercy of public sentiment. The monarchy survives because the people either value its symbolic role, enjoy its traditions, or feel it provides constitutional stability. Should these sentiments wane, the monarchy could be reformed, reduced, or even abolished. There’s an implicit respect for public sovereignty beneath his words; tradition cannot outweigh collective will.

This perspective suggests adaptive humility, an institution mindful that it serves at the pleasure of those it represents. The monarchy, from this viewpoint, is not static. It must evolve, reflect, and engage with citizens’ values to retain relevance. Charles’s stance shows a forward-thinking awareness that inherited privilege is secondary to ongoing public consent, framing the monarchy not as an entitlement but as a service subject to approval or rejection by the people.