I don’t care how much “real” power they have. If you actually believe in a meritocracy how can you defend someone getting a job because of their lineage, attending real political events and ceremonies and influencing policies that way? And let’s not forget that in many cases, they ACTUALLY have institutional powers they just don’t use because they don’t have to, the institutions serve their interests all the same.
Sorry for the pointless rant. It just happens way too often.
One of the good things about being an American born and raised in Norway is that growing up, one day I’d be expected to celebrate a declaration overthrowing monarchical rule, and then the next day I’d be expected to celebrate a constitution entrenching monarchical rule — hell, even for a child, the contradiction on display there was readily apparent, right? So I’m proud to say that I’ve been a republican for as long as I can remember, although not always as actively and “intelligently” for lack of a better word, as I should’ve been… But I was a child, anyways.
Republicanism isn’t necessarily that fringe in modern Norway, however. In 2019 a whole 20% of Storting representatives were in favor of abolishing the monarchy, and I hope and expect that the number will only continue to grow.