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

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.

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 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.

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?

No!

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

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

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?

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

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.

Of course not!

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.

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.

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?

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?

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.

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.

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!)

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.

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

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.?

sodapop

Are they still actually made of bearskin Yangste1007 I thought they were made from synthetic material now. I may be wrong of course.

I thought so too but I think we are thinking of the plumes of the Household Cavalry which used to be made from yak hair but are now made from something synthetic.

Peasblossom

Oddly enough I think the violence would arise over the questions rather than the actual replacing of one HofS by another.

Take just the one. Who could stand?

Only UK born?
Not UK born but living in the UK? For how long?
Not UK born but naturalised?
UK born but not living in the UK?
UK but naturalised elsewhere?
Not UK born and not living in the UK?

Let’s debate that and see when the difference of opinion starts turning into aggression?

And still nobody actually wants to think about the practicalities ?

No, the monarchy is an outdated institution. No one should be born to privilege these days. We can’t help it if people are born into wealth but there in no way we should bow and scrape to a family as their birthright.
As for the cost of ceremonies - I believe the country already finances these, not the monarchy.

Yes, I think we need the cohesion they offer over time. If we lose them, what do we do? Have a president? No thanks.