The monarchy is a symbol.

It may seem odd to view them as a symbol but as the monarchy transitioned from being politically influential to becoming neutered from expressing their political views, what they represent is now open to interpretation.

To many Brits, the monarchy — as expressed in the national anthem — represent virtuous values of graciousness and nobility, and a divine right to victory, glory and happiness that they believe are ordained to the head of state and by extension to Britain itself.

In recent times the diamond jubilee, Queen Elizabeth’s funeral, and King Charles’ coronation were an opportunity to celebrate these values and traditions with ancient ceremonies and lavish processions costing millions, and taxpayers feeling the cost to be either justified or outrageous, with little sentiment in between.

The financial implications of funding the Royal Family can be irksome to some of the public who are suffering from a cost-of-living crisis but aside from that, as a British-Indian I began asking myself why I felt uneasy about the monarchy and apathetic to the various royal events over the past year.

The display of Union Jacks and St. Georges flags, rousing renditions of God Save the King, and public celebration and mourning aren’t just support of the monarchy but also represent an outpouring of patriotism whereby those that do not feel a sense of pride at any of those things, are deemed as anti-British. However, that the truth is a little more complicated and nuanced than that.

By the time I became an adult I had already become disconnected from our national flags and anthem as the use of them became perverted by far-right groups that adopted them against ethnic minorities in this country.

The Union Jack became synonymous with the National Front whose logo I remember seeing spray painted onto the walls of houses on my street in Ashton-under-Lyne. Later on it was used by Nick Griffin and his far-right British National Party in their efforts to stir the emotions of Brits and convince them that the failings of the country is due to the influx of immigrants.

The violent and hateful EDL brandished the St. Georges flag everywhere they went figuratively attempting to retake ownership of England as a white country whilst deriding others that looked differently from them regardless of their positive contributions to the country.

The national anthem feels like a nostalgic celebration of former glories rather than a reflection of modern Britain, and when the protagonist of the lyrics is a king that ironically divides public opinion rather than unify it, it feels inappropriate and dated.

People would say, “ignore the racists,” but when the flags have been weaponized against ethnic minorities, it becomes difficult to see them as representative of myself and the country that I am genuinely proud of.

Then comes the issue of the Royal Family, and whilst individuals within the family may be perfectly decent people, the institution that they represent has a far murkier past and dubious image.

There is an uneasiness about the monarchy being the head of state of a country that were responsible for atrocious acts of pillaging, that drained colonised nations of their resources, and stripped them of their dignity during the days of the empire.

As many reveled in the ancient traditions of the coronation, they either turned a blind eye or were blissfully unaware that the new King and Queen were dripping in jewels attained from violent conquests around the world, yet remain a painful reminder to people connected to those countries and emblematic of everything that they and their ancestors had to suffer and still are affected from today.

Does my ambivalence towards the royal family make me unpatriotic? No, it means that I have trepidation to some of Britain’s past and enables me not to view my country through rose tinted glasses.

However, taking a glance at modern Britain, I can feel proud of a country that is making strides towards being progressive and recognising the talents, contributions, and cultural impact of ethnic minorities to the point where they have become woven into the fabric of the nation. Whether that be from the talent in our sports teams, the great leaders in business, the creatives in the arts, or the delicacies cooked up in the kitchens of restaurants all over the country.

I would not attempt to convince others that the monarchy should be admonished and abolished, but taking an opportunity to articulate why I and others might not feel so warmly towards the institution due to what it represents to me.

I am aware that this is an emotive topic where many others would understandably have staunchly opposing opinions on this matter to myself. However, is vital for people to be aware that a difference of opinion should not lend itself to the dangerous culture wars that some media outlets and social media trolls depend on to drive polarizing narratives and provide the fuel to propel the momentum of populist movements, all in a cynical, self-serving effort to increase followers, subscribers and viewers.

Divisive topics do not have to lead to tribalism and if we are to continue our advancements to becoming a progressive nation made of thought leaders, we must be intrigued by contrasting views rather than offended by them in order to understand why others feel differently, even if we have to ultimately agree to respectfully disagree.