Major public figures, in conversation with Professor Emma Smith, explore whether Shakespeare might help us resolve some challenging contemporary issues.

Mercy Muroki is a Policy Fellow for the Minister for Women and Equalities, Kemi Badenoch. She is also a passionate royalist who believes in “full-fat” pageantry rather than a slimmed-down version.

On the eve of the coronation of King Charles, Mercy discusses with Emma what kind of monarchy is most likely to unite the nation – a somewhat distant figure, such as Queen Elizabeth II, or a more contemporary hands-on monarch. Might Shakespeare’s description in Macbeth of an ideal king or his depiction of Richard II when stripped of all regalia, help them decide?

With contributions from Professor Paul Prescott

Producer: Beaty Rubens
A Just Radio production for BBC Radio 4 Show less