Andrew Marr has claimed some members of the Royal Family have been “behaving like free riders”.

The 62-year-old veteran broadcaster made the comments in an interview with The Daily Mail discussing the future of the monarchy.

He said there would be an “ethical earthquake” when the Queen dies due to the attitudes of some Royal Family members.

Marr added: “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.

“When that terrible day comes that the Queen is no longer with us, the country will go into a state of shock.

News Shopper: Marr said there would be an "ethical earthquake" when the Queen died (PA)Marr said there would be an "ethical earthquake" when the Queen died (PA)

“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.

“It will shake the whole country in a way that will be hard to explain until we actually live through it."

Marr also imagined that Prince Charles and Prince William would have to "orchestrate a clear-out" in the family.

He went on to say: "It won’t be the same: the modern monarchy under Charles has to earn its place every day, every week and every month in people’s affections.

“I’m sorry to say some members of the royal family have been behaving like free riders.

“They assume the monarchy — the institution itself — can never be questioned. But the reason it is not being questioned is because of the Queen herself.”