Do we need the monarchy in this day and and age?

Silverhippy

We should have followed the excellent French example of 1792 and got rid of the aristocracy then.... and made this question redundant.

Umm, we did actually abolish the Monarchy and execute the King in 1649.
And establish a republic called the Commonwealth. (Not to be confused with the present day one)

Way ahead of the French.

Given that they then spent decades in bloody fighting against their own citizens and were then taken over by the military I don’t think it’s a good example of what to do.?

Well you could have a revolution like they did in France and Russia and end up with a Putin!

Why are people so bothered with monarchy or not one. Just get on with lives and take care of yourselves. No harm is done here. Live is worthy living than worrying, though good or bad, though rich or poor, though you have it or not have any.

Those who want a President should look at what is happening in Ukraine - caused by a President who has signed into law an order which could see him ruling until 2036 - do people really want to hand that sort of power to anyone (of any party!)

If not kings and queens- what do we get? Putin? Mugabe? With all their riches? Luxurious houses and lifestyle- Russians bowing and scraping to an ex KGB officer? I think the importance of a monarchy - with all its faults- is the power it denies to anyone else. As someone said - be careful what you wish for.

I have always said when the queen dies that the monarchy will fall. We only have to look at what’s going on now.
Either that or it will change.

Pollyj

They would at least be democratically voted for and could be changed. Personally, who wants half the royals going anywhere!

Democratically voted for?
Like Brexit?
Like our general elections?
With endless arguments about FPTP or PR or whether over a million voters is a sufficient margin for a victory?
Then the endless accusations and counter claims of who funded the candidates and where they accepted donations from.
Would we have a far right or a far left HoS?
Would they share their wealth to make things better for the less well off?

Silverhippy

We should have followed the excellent French example of 1792 and got rid of the aristocracy then.... and made this question redundant.

So you are actually saying you want a bloody revolution in order to bring about your anti-democratice wishes. Do you know Mr Putin personally?

The modern British monarch does not rule but is an icon for Britishness. Elizabeth the Second is very good at filling this role. The decor i.e. processions with horses, amazing costumery, family complications, public relations machine, and relations with politicians including pm all conduce to the iconography.

All this is much much better than what an American or Russian president has.

No. The time has come to end it with The Queen. Distribute all the the treasures, art, jewellery and so on held in trust for the nation to galleries and museums so that we can all enjoy it.
It’s also ridiculous that such wealthy people should accept State support.

Of course not!

Peasblossom

If the Monarchy is disbanded should there be a separate Head of State or should it be the Prime Minister?

If it is the PrimeMinister should there be a seperate election rather than being chosen by the majority party?

Could you have a Prime Minister who was in opposition to the majority party.

If a separate Head of State to what extent would they also need all the trappings that come with that position. Would it save any taxpayers money?

How would they be elected. How would we prevent the abuses of that power that have happened world wide. What voting system would we use. How would we remove someone who abused the position.

At least at the moment we know how the Constitution operates.
If we make a vacuum who knows what will fill it.

There are so many questions and potential hazards that Republicans won’t even consider.

There are already abuses of power. The Queen has no authority in real terms. She can only advise.

We should have followed the excellent French example of 1792 and got rid of the aristocracy then.... and made this question redundant.

Petera

Lovetopaint037

Have you noticed that countries such as America love to hear about our monarchy. They journey to see the big occasions and it is obvious they see something in it even if some people here don’t. I would be very sad to see it go. It’s part of our way of life and it also stimulates the economy.

But have you also noticed that when you ask them the question 'would you like one of your own?' the answer is invariably 'no'.

And how many would say "no" if asked if they wanted the US Presidential system?

Most people are happy to live with what they have. Many agree with the "we wouldn't start from here" but also "it is better than anything else on offer" and are reasonably content.

However, some people want to bring down the current democracy. They give no facts, nor do they propose a reasoned alternative. They just seem to want to destroy what exists. Why do that, I wonder?

The monarchy brings a lot of tourism and therefore money into this country.

I can’t agree that Charles is selfish, he had no choice in the titles
of his two sons

No!

Do we want a President instead? Every country has a head of state and the monarchy has fulfilled that purpose very well for over a thousand years. The Queen is a constitutional monarch and doesn't meddle in politics - could we be sure a president wouldn't?

I think the Monarchy represents our stability as a nation and provides a tangible link to our History. A lot of people feel it should stay for that reason alone.

I believe that the problems the Family are facing is down to the stubbornness of the Queen. Her resistance fully acknowledge the modern world and refusal to listen to advice has lead to frustration for he family.

I think both she and Prince Philip expected thing to stay as they were in their parents’ and Grandparents’ time. Once the Royal children were educated outside the Palace Walls, it was obvious that they would want different things.

Princess Anne, as usual, got it absolutely right by insisting that her children were not burdened with a Royal title. Prince Edward tried hard to forge his own path and has been helped by Sophie.

Charles and Andrew, however seem to be selfish and entitled.

Yes... the revenue they generate through tourism alone is a massive plus. The queen is an unrivalled ambassador for our country... shame about some other family members. They show a non political welcome to visiting dignitaries. The pomp and ceremony enthrals all, including we Brits. I, for one, think we do need the monarchy

I dread to think what it would be replaced with... Do we have a president...heaven forbid. The monarchy is part of our country. It will change...of course it will. William especially will bring changes. The monarchy has always evolved and will continue to evolve.

They would at least be democratically voted for and could be changed. Personally, who wants half the royals going anywhere!

No we don't 'need' a monarchy but it's better than a washed up politician as a ceremonial president.

spabbygirl

no, its crazy to have one family live in luxury & others the opposite, it can't be nice for them cos their lives are at risk from assassins etc

It’s ridiculous for any family to live in luxury whilst others need food banks, but it isn’t just the RF where that applies. Removing the RF. would make less impact on poor people than lowering taxes for the lowest incomes.

Personally, no. The queen, I admire for her dedication, but really, it’s time for an archaic system when people are elevated and fawned over for no other reason than birth, to have its day, surely. People say ‘what would you replace it with? And give horrible examples of ‘president whoever’ but, at least we could vote for and/or remove them. The money they bring in? Would probably come anyway. It’s the history, not the people living (rent free) in those wonderful buildings that are meant to be ours, but we cannot enter, only pay for if things need updating. And we pay them 64 million a year? No. For me, let’s stop it now.