A book filled with myth busting, clear evidence of ridiculously bogus claims of fiscal value of the royals and proper grown up logic about governance - is the very type of book you need to avoid reading is you want to believe in something nonsensical . Smith fails to provide any concrete proposals for how the monarchy would be abolished or what would replace it. The Queen was their heat shield, able to deflect even the most serious questions and accusations, unable to do wrong in the eyes of much of the media and political class and, if she did, not someone many dared to criticise publicly.

For the purposes of transparency, I'll state that I've been anti-monarchist for my entire adult life.This is the crux of the matter: it is likely that those who truly want to keep the monarchy are actually now in the minority. Nevertheless, nobody should be arrested for advocating what should really be common sense in this day and age. They say Britain should be proud to have the mother of parliaments, to be a shining beacon of democracy and an example to other nations. Both in principle and in practice, he states repeatedly, monarchy contravenes the ‘values’ of the British people: it is undemocratic, expensive and impractical; it enthrones privilege, nepotism and inequality. My only wish is that the author will produce a cheat sheet of all the stats and arguments summarised and ready to either draw on - when doing demonstrations or in discussions on the streets - or, better still, commit to memory.

I think it oversimplifies a bit for effect, especially when discussing constitutional reform, but is nonetheless a very good read. This is a labour of love that explains in accessible detail the constitutional and societal problems caused and influenced by having a monarchy. I bought the book because I am a member of Republic but felt that I should at least make the effort to read it although unlikely to be persuaded by the arguments therein. If ever you thought tradition, tourism, or political stability were good arguments for the Crown, this razor-sharp book knocks that nonsense into a top hat.

Apparently he is guardian of our constitution -- but we're also told he wouldn't dream of interfering in politics.

The "locking-on devices" were in fact luggage straps, and he had in fact been in conversation with the police for weeks leading up to the arrest. I am in favour of a republic, but I am not entirely convinced by his arguments for keeping the Westminster system of democracy. Monarchists, with a deep well of historical precedent and the benefit of the status quo to draw from, have answers to these questions.Apparently he is guardian of our constitution - but we're also told he wouldn't dream of interfering in politics. Reading this book will give you the confidence to speak up, and to understand that we, the British people, (and I must say, those in the land of my parents), deserve a fairer society. Smith believes that monarchy’s failings are so self-evident that it is unnecessary to treat it seriously as a system of government. I admire Smith immensely as an activist, and this book has given me a newfound respect for his dedication to the cause.