Monarchy

Writer Róisín Lanigan charts Paddington's dizzying ascent from humble plush toy to symbol for national royal mourning, via Hollywood stardom and a sprinkle of Tory-leaning ventures. Strap in.

This year, the carte blanche became a symbol in the UK for anti-monarchy protests. But blank pieces of paper have long been used in both art and politics. What, if anything, does it say?

Events like Hackney Carnival, Overflo and Boiler Room London have been called off following the Queen’s death, at the expense of organisers and already-struggling businesses.

On 9th April, after this article was originally written, Prince Philip died at the age of 99. It’s caused an outpouring of support on a human level. But until issues are addressed, it remains unlikely that many will be persuaded the institution is not racist.