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Future of Monarchies in the 21st Century

(58 Posts)
rosesarered Wed 16-Sept-15 20:35:26

since I suggested it Devorgilla, I had better contribute! grin
so, if the hered. monarchy did not exist, I would not be rooting for one to be created, while the present Queen has done an amazing job, why would we want to create it all over again.Of course, the monarchy was got rid of briefly here in the 1640's, but was restored[1662?]
I think we would manage well enough as a Republic, other countries seem to.If there was ever a vote though, I do think that more people would vote for a monarchy to continue.

absent Wed 16-Sept-15 20:31:53

Please note that the Queen is the Head of State in a number of other countries as well as the UK. These countries would also require some input if such a ballot for a royal family ever took place.

durhamjen Wed 16-Sept-15 20:09:59

There are more bedrooms for staff in Buck House as there are rooms in total in the White House.
She doesn't need anything like as big as Buck House.

rosequartz Wed 16-Sept-15 20:03:38

Yes, she has done a sterling job. I think she would have preferred to be a countrywoman with her horses and dogs but has devoted her life to what she believes is her duty.

I just can't think of an alternative that is not open to corruption, political bias, different business interests - and that would not cost us a whole lot more. And one that would put country before self.

The status quo is what works as far as I am concerned.

Devorgilla Wed 16-Sept-15 19:14:29

There are dangers in both a Presidential and Monarchical system. Main gain for a Presidential one is that you can get rid of them if they turn out to be useless. I don't have a great issue with retaining a much reduced monarchy. Monarch, heir and heir to heir. I don't think their wives/husbands should be given title of King or Queen alongside them. I think it demeans the great kings and queens in their own right we have had over the centuries. Consort is a good enough title.
I do object to the very much wider family being included and paid for. Most, if not all, have good educations and degrees and should be out working like the rest of us.
Like your ideas of how to reduce the expenditure.
I do think it will eventually fizzle out as I think the main reason Elizabeth II is so popular is she has been around for a fair number of us for so long and has done a decent job. Young people I think will see it all as a little less relevant to their lives.

vampirequeen Wed 16-Sept-15 18:37:57

I'm a republican but I can be realistic at times. I'd like to reduce the hangers on. They're rich in their own right so they don't need our money. Let them get jobs. I know it will be hard for them as they'll only be able to have as many holidays as Princess Beatrice grin.

One residence owned by the state for business and state occasions. Staff required for the upkeep and running of the residence paid for by the state but private staff (valets, personal maids etc) to be paid for by the person who enjoys their services.

The end of grace and favour residences for hangers on. If they want to live in central London then they should pay the going rate.

rosequartz Wed 16-Sept-15 18:07:40

I don't know how it would be chosen.

They must be apolitical for a start
A family with an heir and a spare, not extended to too many hangers-on
A family which has Britain's best interests at heart
A family which could command respect around the world
A family which can entertain and bring in business to the British economy
A family without dubious business interests
A family where the head does not mind working until they drop and should never retire
The ability to live in draughty old houses and a reliance on the taxpayer to mend the leaks
The ability to smile, shake hands and be always dignified and pleasant even if you have a headache and would rather lie down in a darkened room.
The ability to rise above criticism that you're not out on the streets shaking hands with people when all you are trying to do is comfort your bereaved grandchildren

Um, er, can't think, can you?

Devorgilla Wed 16-Sept-15 16:34:58

Rosesarered was kind enough to suggest my earlier post should be a thread of its own so here goes. I have copied below my previous post from the National Anthem Debate for comments.
Perhaps, whitewave, the real question that should be put is:
If the hereditary monarchy did not already exist in UK would you vote for one to be created today?
How would that royal family be chosen?
Every family's name dropped into a big drum and one picked or the strongest warring faction wins?
And the one lucky winner gets all - big houses, job for life, jobs for life for their kids for all time etc.