"Not my King': Anti-monarchy protesters chant at King Charles during visit to Middlesbrough

During King Charles III’s recent royal visit to Middlesbrough, he was met with loud chants of "Not my King" from anti-monarchy protesters. The demonstrators, who were holding signs with similar messages, aimed to voice their opposition to the monarchy and call for democratic reform.

The protest was organized by Republic, a long-standing campaign group that advocates for the abolition of the British monarchy and the establishment of an elected head of state.

Republic was founded in 1983 and officially formed in 2006 with the goal of replacing the monarchy with a democratic system, where leaders are elected rather than inherited. The group has been vocal in its criticism of the monarchy, arguing that a system of hereditary leadership undermines democracy and allows the royal family to wield power without accountability.

According to the group’s official statement, "Because we can’t hold King Charles and his family to account at the ballot box, there’s nothing to stop them abusing their privilege, misusing their influence or simply wasting our money."

The group has long used royal events as opportunities to amplify their message, gaining media attention during major moments such as Prince William and Kate Middleton’s wedding in 2011 and Queen Elizabeth II’s Diamond Jubilee in 2012. Over the years, Republic has protested at various royal events, including the 2012 Thames pageant, where members held banners reading "Citizen, not subject."

Graham Smith, who has served as the CEO of Republic since 2005, has been a central figure in the group’s efforts to challenge the monarchy. Smith, who has also worked for political parties in the UK and Australia, has been arrested during protests and remains steadfast in his opposition to the royal family. 

The monarchy remains a deeply divisive issue in Britain, with Republic and its supporters calling for a democratic overhaul, while others continue to back the royal family as a symbol of national unity and tradition.