A group of antimonarchists staged a protest today on the grounds of Windsor Castle.
Just after midday, members of campaign group Republic spread out a black banner reading “End Royal Secrecy”’, in front of the Round Tower, where the Royal Archives are housed.
The anti-monarchy group accused the Royal Family of “hiding official records and evidence of lobbying from the general public”.
Republic’s Graham Smith said: “Windsor Castle is ground-zero for royal secrecy. This is where the royal archives are hidden away. That’s why we’ve protested here today.
“The royals are very secretive. They have persuaded the government to exempt the monarchy from freedom of information laws.”
Smith added: “With the popularity of the monarchy hitting record lows, discontent with the Monarchy’s inflated and undemocratic place in society will only grow louder and louder.
“Republic will continue to protest against the monarchy and we will continue to demand an end to royal secrecy.”
The campaign group claimed royal secrecy will be a major focus of its campaign this year.
They blasted the Firm saying: “Historic archives going back decades remain under lock and key, while the royals refuse to publish their wills.”
Smith continued: “The royals keep their wills hidden for decades after one of them dies – while everyone else’s is made public.
“Experience tells us the royals will fight to protect their secrets at all costs. They know that their archives and correspondence will shock the public.”
“That’s why royal secrecy is an issue that won’t be solved by reform. The monarchy must be abolished in favour of an accountable, transparent, elected head of state.”
