More heartbreak for the Queen

It’s not as if our Queen actually had much say in the matter (of becoming queen). Her Uncle’s abdication put her where she is now. She’s never had the life she was born to and it can’t be an easy one always having to do what’s expected/demanded of her. I doubt she has a lot of opportunity for personal choices. No pyjama days for her!
Sadness is a human emotion. Wealth doesn’t make it better.

Kandinsky

Yes, I agree that Catherine looks very slim, especially in the very stylish outfit she was wearing last night. She is tall and very willowy, and I’m sure she is conscious of always looking good in her clothes. She’ll eat well with chefs cooking healthy meals, and I bet she has a personal trainer.

All that electioneering - yep 2015, 2017, 2019 oh wait that was for GEs

I don’t want an elected Head of State, I prefer the current model. However I agree with Suzie and Vegan that tourists would still come to Britain for the history and to see some of our most beautiful places. We wouldn’t get all the VAT from selling tea towels or plates with a picture of the Queen on them, but there would still be souvenirs produced that would attract VAT. However realistically it’s a non argument at present as there doesn’t appear to be any great will to dethrone the royals and replace them.

vegan it simply isn’t possible to have a discussion with royalists about an elected head of state.

Like the country isn’t divided now?

All that electioneering every time we need a new president or prime minister?

Once every few years (hopefully) is enough.

I'd be like Brenda from Bristol. 'Not anotherrrrr one!'

Anyone would be able to stand for election, politicians, celebrities, the country would be divided .

Doesn’t have to be celebrities. Could be anyone respected in their field who would make a good figurehead. Other countries don’t have a monarchy without falling apart.

An elected non political head of state ? an election every five years with no politicians standing , celebrities ?

Yes agree. Hardly any tourists see the royals so to say they bring in tourists is ridiculous. Far more tourists visit Versailles than Buckingham Palace, and they chopped their royals heads off centuries ago.

vegan I’ve tried several times on GN to make the point about the difference between a Head of State and a Head of Government and that the USA combines the two whilst many countries don’t - close to home, Ireland and Germany are two examples.
As for tourist income, is there really any evidence as to this? Why do people visit historical towns with castles in countries like France and Germany and yet no monarchy? The clue might be in the word ‘historical’.

Bit off topic, but does anyone else think Kate looks painfully thin?
Saw her on the news last night and she’s literally skin & bone.
Hope she’s okay.

The POTUS hasn’t the same role as the Queen - he has a political role as well as being Head of State, so arguable more important at and in need of greater security etc. We could have an elected non political Head of State - nothing to stop Prince Charles or William standing for election - they may win. Alternatively we could have a non royal standing maybe David Attenborough or someone non political of gravitas. That would bring us into the modern world.

It stated on the News last night that both Peter and Autumn Phillips and their children will continue to live in the UK, so doesn’t sound as though she is planning to move to Canada with the girls.

There are none so blind.......

Gillybob. The Royal family may, or may not ave a clue about living in the real world, to quote from your post.
What makes you think that you have any more of a clue about living in their world?
I wouldn’t swap places with them to be a target for every kind of scrutiny and abuse, without any form of defence or retaliation.
Neither would I want to replace the Monarch with any of the jumped-up pathetic so-called ‘world leaders’ who are making such a mess of their countries.

Annepel, not some people, we all do it.

Oh Gilly, what a little sweetie you’ve got there.

Regarding tourist income etc The end is not justified by the means.
Some people will always have an answer Paddyanne. If you want to believe something badly enough you will find some way to justify it. Anniebach It doesn't mattter if there hasn't been a shipwreck recently, the fact is it belongs to Charles . Why should that be? Try reading your history books a bit further back.

Ahh that’s so lovely,

I agree being told they are good value can sound a bit gauling but they do have value. Nothing is ever as straight forward as we would want it to be.

We could indeed Greymar thank you

Aw, lovely boy. We could learn a thing or two from him.

I agree with you Bridgeit but I am sick of being told that the royals are good value.

On a side note my dearest darling little grandson (10) told me tonight that when, (not if) he becomes a premier league footballer the first thing he will do is to pay for clean water for the poor people .
He’s so kind and lovely. I’m blessed to have him in my life .

Well that applies to all sorts of areas & situations.
Our whole world system is messed up, when look around the world where countries still don’t have on tap water or sanitation.