LONDON – British Cabinet Office Minister Mo Mowlam has called for the Royal
family to be moved out of Buckingham Palace and rehoused in a modern
building, it was reported today.
In a magazine interview, Mowlam suggested old palaces could be used as
public museums and galleries.
“I don’t suggest that the Royal Family should close down and shut up shop,
but if people want a monarch of the new century they should have a palace of
the new century, in line with the architecture you see around London,” she
said.
Mowlam also predicts a constitutional change for the monarchy in the
interview for Saga magazine which was quoted in the Daily Mail.
“I am not a great fan of the monarchy, even though I like Prince Charles and
I like Princess Anne, and exchanges I have had with the Queen have been very
pleasant,” she said.
“But in terms of constitution, I would support a change. The public aren’t
of a like mind yet, so it won’t happen yet. But it will come. It will
evolve. I think the Queen realises this.
“That is why Prince Charles is becoming a potential leader of the people.”
It is not the first time Mowlam – who is rumored to be being sidelined by
Prime Minister Tony Blair – has made controversial remarks about the
monarchy.
Before Labour came to power she called for Buckingham Palace and Windsor
Castle to be sold off and for the Royal family to be housed in a
purpose-built palace.
However, the latest remarks risk embarrassing the government after a series
of recent mishaps as Blair has always been keen to show his support for the
monarchy.
A spokesman for the Cabinet Office said they could not comment on the
report.
They said Mowlam had given a wide-ranging interview to Saga magazine which
they were unable to check the contents of until later.
