The age of those flocking to see the cortege of the Queen and to the lying in state.

annodomini

^Boris Johnson was elected Head of Government in our own country. Should we abandon democratic elections for Prime Minister because we got a bad'un?^
Sorry volver, BJ happened to be leader of the Conservatives when the country elected a Tory majority and thus he became PM. Nobody could say the the country has chosen Liz Truss to be PM.

Technically that is correct, we don't elect any members of the government at all. We can only elect our local mp, the rest is up to the party themselves.
In reality though, we all know that when a general election happens the majority of people cast their vote to get the PM they prefer. If Johnson had not been the leader, I doubt that the Tories would even have managed to get a working majority. So in that sense we do indeed elect the PM.

Sorry annodomini, although Boris Johnson was elected by a few thousand voters in Uxbridge, many people will tell you with relish that they voted for Boris, even though they clearly didn't.

He was the leader of the party when they went for election and his personality was instrumental in the Tory victory. None of us expected Truss, yet here we are.

If you think you're going to educate me on electoral dynamics in the UK, you're going to have to try harder.

Boris Johnson was elected Head of Government in our own country. Should we abandon democratic elections for Prime Minister because we got a bad'un?
Sorry volver, BJ happened to be leader of the Conservatives when the country elected a Tory majority and thus he became PM. Nobody could say the the country has chosen Liz Truss to be PM.

I went to see the flowers at Sandringham yesterday and thought how touching it was that mothers were holding their tiny babies and toddlers having their photo taken against the backdrop of the flowers. One mother was saying it was because the baby would have no memory of the event and this would show them they were part of it.

Blondiescot

I think for many, it's probably more a case of wanting to witness or be part of such an important and historic event rather than anything else.

I agree. A lot of people just want to able to say they were there when a historic event takes place, the same way they would take a selfie with any celebrity, even if they were not a particular fan. Nowadays most want to film or photograph themselves being there to upload to their social media accounts. I wonder if all devices had been banned if it would have had an effect on the number of younger people making the effort?

I wish I still had the strength to go and join the queue. Like a lot of us oldies, I just have to watch it at home.

This older person was willing to stand for hours and SO glad she did.

Aveline

I suppose the elections of Hitler, Putin and Trump may have put some people off!

The opposite actually. I look at those " leaders" and thank God they were not hereditary with no prospect of ever getting rid.

But the crowds in the streets, for the various processions are not queuing for hours and they too are dominated by younger people.

I dont think older people would be able to stand queuing for hours on end, even overnight, I possibly could but choose not to.

Hitler was elected Chancellor, not Head of State. Putin was "elected" in Russia, which is hardly known as a bastion of democracy. As well as being Head of State, Trump was head of government.

Boris Johnson was elected Head of Government in our own country. Should we abandon democratic elections for Prime Minister because we got a bad'un?

Sometimes being patronising is the only valid response.

I'd not expected you to be so patronising volver. Sorry you couldn't find a better come back. Hitler, Trump and Putin were elected leaders after all.

Aveline

I suppose the elections of Hitler, Putin and Trump may have put some people off!

See you've joined the ranks of those proposing silly complaints about democracy Aveline. What a pity, I'd have expected more from you. Ah well.

Elegran said Incidentally, talking of bladders, I have just heard that people could park their cars in Ballater, then a fleet of buses took them to the gates of Balmoral and back - and there were 18 portaloos in the bus park.

There are only two or maybe three cubicles in the public loos in Ballater so they definitely needed some back up!

A friend of mine says she is a confused Republican because the only person she’s ever thought worth voting for as president was the queen. ??

I suppose the elections of Hitler, Putin and Trump may have put some people off!

jacqrose

Zoejory what made you change your mind

Nothing earth shattering. I think I just got older!

Zoejory what made you change your mind

It has always been like that. 50 years ago I'd have opted for a president.

The Statisa poll summarised their latest poll as follows.
‘Support for the British monarchy 2022, by age group
Published by D. Clark, Sep 8, 2022
Although the British monarchy is supported by a plurality of people across most age groups in Great Britain, it is among over 65 year-old's where the level is support is highest at 77 percent. Younger age groups are progressively more likely to oppose the monarchy, with 31 percent of 18-24 year old's opting instead for an elected head of state.
www.statista.com/statistics/863893/support-for-the-monarchy-in-britain-by-age/

My South African SiL and his sister (in their early ,40s) went to the vigil in the night. They were very serious about it and sharing photos with family back home.

Lots of children where I was standing. They seemed excited by it all and the strangeness I think. The sight of the familiar road lined with people.My youngest DGS was obviously taking it very seriously. He asked what he should do then solemnly saluted every vehicle and police bike.

I think for many, it's probably more a case of wanting to witness or be part of such an important and historic event rather than anything else.

Younger generation are more aware of so much today thanks to the Internet

I genuinely didn't care at all about the RF when a teen/young adult.

My children and grandchildren are far more interested than I ever was. My 11 year old grandson actually went and put his Jubilee T shirt on the day after she'd died.

I think perhaps the older generation were watching it in the comfort of their livingrooms. Queueing for hours in uncertain weather to file past a closed coffin, having had a hard time getting to the venue and then an even harder one getting home is less appealing as your feet, legs, back and bladder get older.

Incidentally, talking of bladders, I have just heard that people could park their cars in Ballater, then a fleet of buses took them to the gates of Balmoral and back - and there were 18 portaloos in the bus park.

Many younger people are more fit and able to stand for long periods of time, I certainly couldn't do it. It's good to see that youngsters care.