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.
I’m trying to compare in my mind since I did not grow up in such a society and I think being in the US, the closest comparison is unlearning the founding fathers and constitution worship. In that context, there’s almost this magical significance applied to these elements of the country, as if they discovered and created something wholly original that has never been done before or since. When all they did was create one of the most brutal colonies in human history.
So you prob have to demystify it in a similar fashion, point out how much brutality these royals have been behind and continue to be behind. That there’s nothing cute about family gossip or ceremony for such people.