Questions for our British friends

[Grouchy]

Originally Posted by haroldeye

There is a small but vocal anti monarchy movement. Usually well balanced by having a bag of chips on each shoulder. Interestingly, having been involved in the planning of several Royal visits (note taker, umbrella carrier etc) I have always been amazed that the most strident and vocal anti Royals are usually the ones demanding to be first in the queue to meet them.

That is essentially true... but not in my case.

I would not say that I am "anti-royal".. but I do think there are far too many of them. I could live with a monarch and consort but do get pigged off with all the hangers-on - dukes of this and that - who are only "famous" for being a (sometimes distant) relative. We need a cull of the extended family.

I get annoyed by the way that the antics of some of the younger lot - I'm thinking here about the sons / daughters of the queens children - are reported by the press and news media. Do I give a shit that some "princess" is getting married to someone shes been shagging for years and met whilst skiing? No.
Do I care that someone is enjoying a lovely holiday at some private resort whilst cocking a snook at all the "poor people" whilst being waited on hand-and-foot? No..
Do I have a small chip on my shoulder? Probably.

In truth, I wouldn't walk to the end of my drive to see any of them. I certainly wouldn't "bow and scrape" to them in any way, or carry an umbrella for them - they are quite capable of carrying their own. I have absolutely no desire to meet them.

[bloke57]

Grouchy has summed it up for me. The monarchy and "titled" people in general sum up the appalling, in-built inequality in Britain. The whole edifice of privilege needs to be challenged and dismantled - but people are too familiar with it to question it.

The general opinion is that the present queen has done very well and worked very hard. I second that, and would not be in favour of abolishing the monarchy while she is still around. However, once she has passed I would favour a serious debate on the whole issue, as would many others.

The only problem I foresee is the old chestnut - it's easy to say "down with". The question then becomes what replaces it. That's when a thousand arguments start.

President Blair anyone? No, I didn't think so.

[Arturo2nd]

Originally Posted by bloke57

Grouchy has summed it up for me. The monarchy and "titled" people in general sum up the appalling, in-built inequality in Britain. The whole edifice of privilege needs to be challenged and dismantled - but people are too familiar with it to question it.

The general opinion is that the present queen has done very well and worked very hard. I second that, and would not be in favour of abolishing the monarchy while she is still around. However, once she has passed I would favour a serious debate on the whole issue, as would many others.

The only problem I foresee is the old chestnut - it's easy to say "down with". The question then becomes what replaces it. That's when a thousand arguments start.

President Blair anyone? No, I didn't think so.

Prince Charles seems like a dull, but earnest and well meaning chap. William and Kate seem to be reasonably intelligent and very nice people who are genuinely concerned about the less fortunate. You could do (and have done) worse in terms of hereditary monarchs. William and Kate might be just the ticket to pressure your elected folk to do better by their constituents. If not, the common folk will just have to run amuck, thin the aristocratic and corporate herds, and hope for the best. We hear Ivanka Trump believes she has special qualities if you wish to import new blood.

[Estreeter]

Originally Posted by bloke57

The only problem I foresee is the old chestnut - it's easy to say "down with". The question then becomes what replaces it. That's when a thousand arguments start.

President Blair anyone? No, I didn't think so.

Originally Posted by Brian249x

We hear Ivanka Trump believes she has special qualities if you wish to import new blood.

I'll stick my hand up and yes I'm volunteering.

I am a British subject and I have all the qualifications

1, I can wave
2. I can cut ribbons
3. I can smile
4. I can look presentable when forced to
5. I can have someone write me speeches
6. I have owned land in the countryside
7. I have owned dogs and horses
8. I can be driven somewhere whilst in the back seat
9. I can cause a scandal without trying
10. I shit, burp and fart like everyone else

Only drawback, I'm Catholic

[Sir Honkers]

I'd have loved to have been Mr Queen from after the war into the mid sixties. Travelling around on the Royal Yacht, shagging awe-struck debutantes, having the world's best chiefs cook your meals. Free booze, getting in everywhere for free and at the front of the queue.
The life of Riley.

[rosestone]

Agree with what pretty much everyone else said about the royals. I don't particularly like it, but they're undoubtedly one of the few things about Britain that everybody knows - we're discussing them right now on here, and pretty much everyone on the planet knows who the Queen of England is.

But aside from a not unsubstantial minority, most brits couldn't give a toss. Foreigners seem to care more about them than me, my wife (a teacher, and an american) asked me to talk to her one of her classes about the current royals, only to discover that she knew more about them than I do (What are the names of Prince William's two kids? How the eff should I know? Bert and Ernie?).

Although most Brits do agree with the Aussie philosophers, that the Queen is a good Sheila, Bruce, and not at all stuck up.

[Roubignol]

Originally Posted by rosestone

Agree with what pretty much everyone else said about the royals. I don't particularly like it, but they're undoubtedly one of the few things about Britain that everybody knows - we're discussing them right now on here, and pretty much everyone on the planet knows who the Queen of England is.

That's true. The 3 most popular England iconic people probably are your Monarchs, the Punks and the Hooligans.

Originally Posted by rosestone

But aside from a not unsubstantial minority, most brits couldn't give a toss. Foreigners seem to care more about them than me, my wife (a teacher, and an american) asked me to talk to her one of her classes about the current royals, only to discover that she knew more about them than I do (What are the names of Prince William's two kids? How the eff should I know? Bert and Ernie?).

It depends on the country and on a gender.
That's always a dream for women to become a princess. That's probably why your wife knew most facts than yourself. Did you ever dream to become a prince?

[Grouchy]

Originally Posted by Estreeter

10. I shit, burp and fart like everyone else

Damn Estreeter...

That spoiled the illusion for me

Anyway.. What's this "everyone else" stuff? What exactly are you implying?

[rosestone]

Originally Posted by xyzde69

That's always a dream for women to become a princess. That's probably why your wife knew most facts than yourself. Did you ever dream to become a prince?

Nah, my wife doesn't care about that. She just reads more news than I do.

[Arturo2nd]

Originally Posted by Grouchy

I would not say that I am "anti-royal".. but I do think there are far too many of them. I could live with a monarch and consort but do get pigged off with all the hangers-on - dukes of this and that - who are only "famous" for being a (sometimes distant) relative. We need a cull of the extended family.

Culling is a good idea, but the traditional way has some awkward side effects. Various factions roaming and pillaging the countryside until a pitched battle eliminates the half of them. Perhaps, you can persuade some of the peerage to be beheaded on pay-per-view with the proceeds going to worthy charities or building affordable housing.