This week on Q+A… the end of an era. For most Australians, the Queen is the only monarch they’ve ever known. So what does her death mean for the nation? Is now the time to reopen the debate on a republic? And if not now, when?

As we reflect on the complicated legacy of the monarchy in Australia, a Voice to Parliament is within reach. What does a new king mean for notions of sovereignty in a country where sovereignty itself is contested? And how does a democratic nation wrestle with the idea of hereditary rule?

A new monarch is about more than symbolism, more than a new head on our coins. King Charles inherits the crown at a time when the world is in flux, democracy is under threat and countries across the Commonwealth are facing significant challenges domestically and internationally. So what role does royalty play at such a time?

What will you ask our panel?

Joining Stan Grant on the panel:

Eric Abetz, Campaign Chairman, Australian Monarchist League
Teela Reid, Wiradjuri and Wailwan lawyer
Simon Longstaff, Executive Director, The Ethics Centre
Sisonke Msimang, Award-winning writer
Ruth Ben-Ghiat, Author and historian

Please submit a question now via our website by 9am Thursday for the chance to ask the panel. 

Scroll down to watch Thursday's toughest question asked by Jean Lee, who wanted to know if the old adage ‘the pen is mightier than the sword’ still rings true. 👇

Watch Q+A  Thursday 8.30pm on ABC TV, streamed live 8.30pm AEST on ABC iview or on our website.