King Charles' coronation will draw protests. How popular are the royals, and do they have political power?

London — Protests against the British monarchy have been planned around the United Kingdom for May 6, the day of King Charles III's coronation ceremony. The anti-monarchy group Republic, which wants the king replaced as the official head of state by an elected official, is either organizing or promoting rallies in England and Scotland to coincide with the coronation.

"Hereditary public office goes against every democratic principle. And because we can't hold the King and his family to account at the ballot box, there's nothing to stop them abusing their privilege, misusing their influence or simply wasting our money," Republic says on its website. "A head of state that's chosen by us could really represent our hopes and aspirations — and help us keep politicians in check."