The coronation of Elizabeth II was a jaw-dropping sight. The soldiers accompanying her carriage marched to the beat of 24 military bands. Inside Westminster AbbeyA large church in London. Many British kings and queens are buried there., 8,250 guests waited for her to arrive. In today's money the event cost around £44m.

Details of King Charles's coronation on 6 May 2023 have yet to be announced. Some experts predict that it will be quite modest. Others expect it to be as lavishSpending more money than is reasonable. as his mother's.

Whichever approach Charles chooses, it will set the tone for his reign. According to Buckingham Palace: "The coronation will reflect the monarch's role today and look towards the future, while being rooted in longstanding traditions and pageantry."

Charles's most immediate problem is his son Harry, whose book Spare will be published on Tuesday. Harry and his wife Meghan have already lambastedStrongly criticised. the royal family in a Netflix documentary.

They claimed that they had received terrible treatment from the royal household. They made accusations of racism, and said that Harry had been shouted at by his brother Prince William.

Harry has now given two TV interviews, to be shown on Sunday. In them he complains that he and Meghan were not protected in the same way as other royals. And he says the family refuses to discuss their worries.

Now, reports even suggest that Harry's book will accuse his brother, Prince William, of physically attacking him.

The accusations of racism are very worrying. But an opinion poll¹ showed that 50% of people did not believe what Harry and Meghan said.

Another question is whether there should be a "slimmed-down" monarchy. In it, only a dozen members would have a public role.

Some people want the royal family to pay more tax and give up some of their palaces, castles and houses. Writing in the Guardian, Stephen Bates even suggests that they should move out of Buckingham Palace. With its 775 rooms and central London position, it would make "an ideal luxury hotel".

Yes: His years as heir to the throne gave him every chance to consider the challenges of the future. He is an intelligent man whose charitable work has given him a real understanding of his people.

No: Support for the British royal family is in terminal decline, particularly among young people. Between 2012 and 2022 it fell from 73% to 62%, with just 33% of 18-to-24-year-olds in favour of it.   

Or... The British monarchy does not need saving. Whatever its shortcomings, it is one thing that sets the UK apart, and - as the Queen's funeral showed - British people ultimately have a deep loyalty to it.