Veteran broadcaster John Humphrys has said the people of the United Kingdom should “be able to choose our leaders” as he releases a documentary exploring the role of the Royal Family.

Humphrys, who for decades was one of the most prominent faces on the BBC, is presenting a new Channel 4 documentary called The Royals: Time to Go?

Speaking to BBC Radio Wales Breakfast, the Cardiff-born presenter said he “admires” King Charles III in many ways, but said it was a “matter of choice”.

Buckingham Palace has been approached for comment.

In the documentary, Humphrys speaks to both critics and supporters of the monarchy, and makes the case for electing a president as the head of state.

He recalled seeing the late Queen Elizabeth II visiting Cardiff when he was growing up, watching her being driven down Newport Road.

“My father didn’t attend and said he would never bend the knee to anyone. I guess that rubbed off on me,” he said.

Humphrys asked why it was seen as such a taboo to call for an alternative to the Royal Family, saying that “we can because it’s a democracy”.

“I know the monarch is not a political leader, but he is our leader, and we need to bow our knee to him.

“That’s what I object to. Shouldn’t we get a choice?”

He met the Queen throughout his career, including at Buckingham Palace where he said he spoke to her “and the corgis of course”.

Humphrys, who presented the Nine O’Clock News, the Today programme and Mastermind throughout a decades-long career with the corporation, said he took the opportunity to ask her for an interview.

“When I’d finished, she looked up at me and said just one word ‘no’ and I thought I could build on that,” he said.