Veteran broadcaster John Humphrys has released a documentary that challenges the role of the Royal Family in the United Kingdom, arguing that citizens should have the democratic right to elect their own head of state rather than inherit a monarch.
The programme, titled The Royals: Time to Go?, aired on a major commercial broadcaster on 15 September 2026 at 9pm. In the film, Humphrys—who spent decades as one of the most recognisable figures in British broadcasting—speaks with both critics and supporters of the monarchy while making the case for replacing the institution with an elected president.
Speaking to radio audiences, the Cardiff-born presenter said he "admires" King Charles III in many ways, but emphasised that the question of the monarchy should ultimately be "a matter of choice" for the British people. "We should be able to choose our leaders," he stated, questioning why advocating for an alternative to the Royal Family remained such a sensitive topic in public discourse.
Why does Humphrys object to the current system?
Humphrys explained that his reservations stem from a principle of democratic choice rather than personal disrespect. He recalled his father's refusal to show deference to the monarchy, saying "My father didn't attend and said he would never bend the knee to anyone. I guess that rubbed off on me." He went on to argue: "I know the monarch is not a political leader, but he is our leader, and we need to bow our knee to him. That's what I object to. Shouldn't we get a choice?"
The broadcaster noted that such questioning should be permissible in a functioning democracy. "We can because it's a democracy," he said, expressing frustration that the topic remained largely taboo in mainstream debate.
What does the documentary include?
The programme features interviews spanning the full spectrum of opinion on the monarchy. According to reporting around the broadcast, the documentary includes contributions from critics and supporters, with coverage indicating that former Scottish First Minister Nicola Sturgeon participated in discussions about whether the institution should continue. The film also explores the monarchy's finances and examines how recent scandals have affected public attitudes toward the institution.
During his career presenting flagship programmes including the Nine O'Clock News, the Today programme, and Mastermind, Humphrys met the Queen on multiple occasions. He recalled one encounter at Buckingham Palace where he attempted to secure an interview. "When I'd finished, she looked up at me and said just one word 'no' and I thought I could build on that," he said. He also remembered meeting her at Broadcasting House in 2006 alongside other broadcasting figures, and reflected on seeing the late Queen Elizabeth II visit Cardiff during his childhood, watching her being driven down Newport Road.
What does public opinion show?
Fresh polling data tied to the documentary's release suggests that support for abolishing the monarchy is more substantial than commonly assumed. According to recent survey findings, approximately one in four Britons support ending the monarchy. The research also indicated that backing for abolition was notably stronger among younger age groups, suggesting a generational divide in attitudes toward the institution.
What was the Palace response?
Buckingham Palace was approached for comment on the documentary. According to reporting around the broadcast, the Palace declined to comment on the programme itself, citing an ongoing police inquiry that prevented it from addressing certain matters publicly.
What happens next?
The documentary remains available on the broadcaster's streaming platform following its initial transmission. A repeat airing was scheduled for the overnight schedule on 16 September 2026. Further coverage is expected to focus on public reaction to both the poll findings and the arguments presented in the film regarding the monarchy's future role in British democracy.
The programme forms part of a broader debate within British media about the monarchy, democracy, and the level of public support for fundamental constitutional change. As coverage of the broadcast noted, the documentary frames the question of whether the UK should reconsider its relationship with the Royal Family as increasingly urgent and worthy of serious public discussion.
