Ex-BBC presenter questions role of Royal Family in new documentary
Veteran broadcaster John Humphrys has released a new Channel 4 documentary titled The Royals: Time to Go? that questions the role of the British Royal Family. In the program, Humphrys argues that the United Kingdom should elect a president as head of state rather than maintaining a hereditary monarchy. He cites his personal background and democratic principles as reasons for challenging the current system while acknowledging his admiration for King Charles III.
- ▪John Humphrys is presenting a Channel 4 documentary that explores the role of the Royal Family and advocates for an elected president.
- ▪Humphrys stated that while he admires King Charles III, he believes the British public should have the choice to select their leader in a democracy.
- ▪The documentary features interviews with both critics and supporters of the monarchy to present different perspectives on the institution.
- ▪Humphrys recalled a childhood memory of his father refusing to bow to the Queen, which influenced his current views on the monarchy.
- ▪Buckingham Palace has been approached for comment regarding the release of the documentary.
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| Original publisher | BBC News — UK |
| Canonical URL | https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/cj207ddzy6ewo?at_medium=RSS&at_campaign=rss |
| Publication time | Wed, 16 Sep 2026 17:57:15 GMT |
| Retrieval time | 2026-09-16T18:18:41.650Z |
| Last seen | 2026-09-16T18:18:41.650Z |
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Ex-BBC presenter questions role of Royal Family in new documentaryImage caption, Humphrys met Queen Elizabeth II alongside other BBC figures at Broadcasting House in 2006ByOscar EdwardsBBC WalesPublished20 minutes agoVeteran broadcaster John Humphrys has said the people of the United Kingdom should "be able to choose our leaders" as he releases a documentary exploring the role of the Royal Family. Humphrys, who for decades was one of the most prominent faces on the BBC, is presenting a new Channel 4 documentary called The Royals: Time to Go?Speaking to BBC Radio Wales Breakfast, the Cardiff-born presenter said he "admires" King Charles III in many ways, but said it was a "matter of choice". Buckingham Palace has been approached for comment.
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