Royalists Suffer from Stockholm Syndrome
- L J Louis
- Jul 2
- 3 min read
The British royal family has long been a big part of national pride and traditions. However, recent reports have criticized how they handle their finances. There are claims that the royal family has been charging public services for things like parking ambulances in warehouses and using coastlines they control. Some see these fees as unnecessary expenses that put a strain on public services, while the royal family seems to be making money from resources that could be better used for the public.
Some reports show that King Charles and Prince William sold access to themselves for hundreds of thousands of pounds to foreign agents and others, which really heated things up. Critics think this shows a pattern where the royal family is making money at the public's expense, making many people question whether the monarchy still makes sense in today’s world.
Despite all the fuss, a lot of Brits still support the monarchy. Some people’s loyalty to the royals, even when there are issues like misuse of power, can only be compared to Stockholm syndrome. But what exactly is Stockholm syndrome, and how does it explain why some folks back the royal family?
Stockholm syndrome is when hostages or abuse victims start to develop feelings of connectedness with those who are holding or hurting them. It’s like they start to see even small acts of kindness as a reason to feel sympathy or affection. Basically, it’s a way for their minds to cope, holding onto any positive interactions to get through a tough situation.
Applying this idea to people who support the British royal family might seem a bit much, but it actually helps us understand how emotionally connected many Brits are to the monarchy, despite the burden the royal family places on their finances. The royal family is like a living piece of history, full of tradition, pomp, and a sense of national pride. This emotional tie can sometimes overpower any negative feelings, leading to loyalty even when there is evidence that the royals are enriching themselves off the backs of citizens and don’t give anything of value in return. Please, leave the tourism argument at the door. People traveled to France and the United States all the time, even more so without a royal family. Plus the math of how much tourism is because of the royal family isn’t mathing.
Plus, the royal family does a lot of charity work and gets involved in social causes, but those charities aren't doing so well. However, the show must go on to keep up appearances, but England could be just economically thriving without the royals sucking millions out of taxpayers every year. Many royal fans are happy to overlook the misuse of power, paying for the royals during a cost-of-living crisis, because they are too afraid of change. Not because they care for the remaining working royals like Kate and William. Most see them as a boring couple compared to Prince Harry and his wife, Meghan Sussex.
With the working royals charging taxpayers a fortune for public services and the rising cost of living, it’s clear how lavish the royal family's lifestyle is compared to that of everyday people struggling to get by. Even though support for the royals seems to have decreased since the queen’s passing and how they treated Meghan Markle, many still feel a strong emotional connection to them, like an unspoken, collective attachment, similar to Stockholm syndrome. It is safe to say that Royalists suffer from Stockholm Syndrome.
Basically, why so many keep supporting the monarchy despite its clear issues boils down to deep human feelings and societal routines. People respect tradition and national pride, but also struggle with psychological problems. As society becomes more unhealthy, it gets harder for them to see the obvious flaw in backing an institution that is outdated and built on empiricism and the colonization of other nations and cultures. Who gives them the right to be the head of state? Is it time for Britons to wake up from their psychological Stockholm syndrome that makes them support an institution that abuses its power and takes their hard-earned money? Is it time to abandon the outdated monarchy?
L J Louis is an enthusiastic traveler, aspiring artist, and passionate writer of both fiction and non-fiction who loves exploring new cuisines. She is also a dedicated advocate for women's rights. With an impressive educational background, she holds a double major in psychology and criminology (BA), a Bachelor of Laws (Hons LLB), and an advanced diploma in fitness and health promotion. L J Louis shares her insights through engaging content on topics such as human sexuality, sex positivity, health, psychology, and even Meghan Markle.
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