Anti-Monarchy Protests in Hexham & Lancaster, Leafleting in Wakefield

Welcome to the first edition of Republic’s new activism roundup, where I'll showcase the fantastic work of Republic’s local activists around the country and more! 👋

From anti-monarchy protests in Hexham and Lancaster to leafleting in Wakefield, June has been a busy month of action so far. Read on to see how Republic's amazing local activists and supporters are challenging royal visits and building momentum for a truly democratic alternative to the monarchy.

Protest in Hexham Challenges Camilla’s Visit

In Hexham Camilla was greeted by a crowd of noisy protesters. Local ambassador Paul with others from the Republic North East local group coordinated the action and along with a call-out from Republic they got a small but mighty crowd together on the day. 

"I really enjoyed meeting up with fellow Republic campaigners at Hexham -  a chance to meet old friends again, meet up with new fellow republicans and getting a lot of satisfaction from seeing our campaign gain visibility and making inroads" ~ Ken, supporter from Teesside.

As always, the protest was lively and good natured and attracted lots of media attention including the BBC, LBC, the Express and more. The royal crowd was one of the smallest I have ever seen! They might expect us at the big events and in the big cities, but volunteers in the North East showed Republic can turn up anywhere the royals go even with little time to react.  

Republic Yorkshire Leaflets in Wakefield

Originally formed in Huddersfield in the Albert Hotel, Republic Yorkshire have been going since 2012, getting out in all weathers, delivering our message across the towns and cities of Yorkshire (Bradford in image above) and sometimes beyond. On the 7th June, the group took to the streets of Wakefield handing out leaflets and having conversations with members of the public promoting the local group and the vision of a true democracy.

“Many of us join in the protests as they occur around the country but not everyone is able to do this and we need to persuade people locally too and that’s where we feel our local group is so important, making a small contribution to a wider cause.”  ~  James, Republic Yorkshire Ambassador.  

The Republic Yorkshire group will be back out on the streets leafleting in Leeds on Saturday 5th July and will be hoping for better weather this time! 

Protest Targets Duchy of Lancaster and Charles Visit

On Monday 9th June, Graham Smith went to Lancaster to support local activists organising a protest to Charles visiting Lancaster Castle. 

This protest was part of Republic's Ditch the Duchies campaign to abolish the duchies and replace them with a national estate, where the profits go directly to the local communities and services. The protest was very lively, with lots of first timers coming along to support from the North West and beyond.   

“It's our first Republic protest but there's a good atmosphere with lots of people with signs. We have been booed but you know... whatever!” ~ Alex and Lily, protest attendees. 

Charles's protection team tried to block the protestors from view with a van, but it didn't stop the protest being seen and heard by the public, the media and of course Charles himself!

The royals are clearly rattled by these protests and our movement continues to grow thanks to the outreach actions.

Want to take part in the next protest to a royal visit or support more outreach events across the country? Get involved in Republic's activist network.

Look out for the next activism roundup coming soon where I'll update on some exciting stunts Republic volunteers have been working on...

See you on the streets!