A Queen Camilla ally, Philippa Gregory, has declared that Britain should do away with its monarchy altogether.
The 72-year-old novelist, whose work The Other Boleyn Girl was adapted into a major Hollywood production featuring Scarlett Johansson and Natalie Portman, believes the institution has no place in contemporary society.
Her stance is particularly striking given her prominent role supporting Queen Camilla's literacy initiatives.
In addition, Ms Gregory was appointed a Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE) in the 2021 Queen's Birthday Honours, and received the honour from Princess Anne the following year.
Queen Camilla and Philippa Gregory pictured in 2023
|GETTY
"I just don't think it's really appropriate in the modern world, and I object if it's particularly expensive," Ms Gregory stated during an appearance on Radio 3's Private Passions programme.
The financial burden on taxpayers forms a central part of Ms Gregory's objections.
Through the Sovereign Grant, the Royal Family received £86.3million from public funds last year.
Beyond this, King Charles personally collected £27.4million from the Duchy of Lancaster in 2024, whilst Prince William obtained £22.9million from the Duchy of Cornwall in 2025.
Queen Camilla and Philippa Gregory pictured in 2022
|GETTY
Additional millions were spent on security arrangements for the royals, though these costs remain undisclosed.
"It's nothing personal, it's not about them personally, but I just don't know that in a mature democracy we need a Royal Family," Ms Gregory explained.
Despite her republican views, Ms Gregory has maintained close ties with the Queen's charitable endeavours promoting reading.
She played a key role in establishing the Queen's Reading Room Festival when it launched in 2023, helping to bring the initiative to life.
Philippa Gregory was made a CBE by Princess Anne in 2022
|PA
The following year, she served as a judge for Camilla's Commonwealth essay writing competition, further cementing her involvement with the royal literacy programme.
These contributions have made Ms Gregory one of the most prominent supporters of the Queen's efforts to encourage reading among the British public, particularly young people, creating an apparent contradiction with her calls for abolition.
Ms Gregory remains effusive about the Queen's contribution to promoting books and reading across the nation.
"What Queen Camilla has done for reading, and for literature and for literacy in this country is really, really significant," she said.
Philippa Gregory has written several royal-themed books
|PA
Her comments arrive as the Royal Family grapples with the scandal surrounding Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor.
The King's brother was arrested at his temporary residence on the Sandringham estate in Norfolk last week, becoming the first member of the Royal Family to face such action in nearly four centuries.
He was subsequently released on the evening of his 66th birthday under investigation.
Mr Mountbatten-Windsor has consistently denied any wrongdoing.