Andrew Marr told people to prepare for an “ethical earthquake” when the Queen dies as he let rip at the royals, saying some are “behaving like free riders”.
The veteran broadcaster, 62, addressed the future of the monarchy during his first interview since leaving the BBC in December.
Marr believes big changes are coming - and warned the country will enter a state of shock when the Her Majesty passes. He expects the Prince of Wales and Duke of Cambridge to “orchestrate a clear-out” with the aim of maintaining the support of the public.
“There is a sense that the whole issue of the future has not been discussed for a very long time, because the Queen is so admired and so revered," he said.
“When that terrible day comes that the Queen is no longer with us, the country will go into a state of shock - it will be like an ethical earthquake and I do not think it is fully understood or appreciated how this is going to be an absolutely massive moment in all our lives.
“I know the Prince of Wales has plans for reforming the monarchy; it appears Charles and William will orchestrate a clear-out," Marr told the Daily Mail.
“I’m sorry to say some members of the royal family have been behaving like free riders, assuming the monarchy — the institution itself — can never be questioned."
Marr has revealed that he left the BBC because he became frustrated at “self-censoring” his opinions.
The former editor of The Independent joined the corporation in 2000 and presented its flagship Sunday politics show from 2005.
Now, the journalist said that he wants to be free to say and write what he really thinks.
He also said that in “the long term” the BBC may have to fund itself via a subscription model.
Culture Secretary Nadine Dorries confirmed this week the licence fee is to be frozen at £159 a year until 2024, after which it will rise in line with inflation for the following four years.
She also said the next announcement about the fee “will be the last” – indicating a different funding model could be introduced from 2028.
