Keeping Royal Secrets

Anniebach

Never heard of The Sunday Herald so just googled it, explains
much.

What does it explain ?

The newspaper in question is the Sunday Herald, not the Herald on Sunday which ceased publication several years ago. My fault for not being clear about that.

It's a serious paper, not a gossip sheet. Besmirchment can work both ways.

What do we think of the Telegraph.
www.telegraph.co.uk/royal-family/2021/11/14/keep-lord-mountbattens-diaries-private-protect-queens-dignity/

Or the Express? www.express.co.uk/news/uk/1521420/queen-news-lord-mountbatten-diaries-dignity-warning-royal-family

Anyway, the crux of this is the Cabinet Office position on the diaries, not how it's reported.

I've still got that the wrong way round..

It's the Herald on Sunday, not the Sunday Herald.

As if it matters

I am not interested in anyone’s sexual preferences

I'm quite interested in a ruling class that think that the Freedom of Information Act doesn't apply to them and that they can control what we know.

Any answers from anyone to Lucca's question about the purpose of the Royal Family?

Yes, thinking of elected party leaders, some who became prime
ministers, an elected president ? No

Aye, this democracy thing's not all its cracked up to be...

Alegrias1

Any answers from anyone to Lucca's question about the purpose of the Royal Family?

Why does everything or everybody need a purpose *Alegrias1? Sometimes things or people simply exist, because they do. Sometimes they cost money and are of no real value, but maybe sometimes they give something in return. My 200 spring bulbs I planted have no real purpose, other than to look colourful and pretty. (As do certain members of the RF!)

It wasn't me that asked....

However I'm on board with the "no real value" thing...

I don't have strong feelings about the RF either way but considering what democracy achieved with the PM maybe it isn't the worst.

Anniebach

Yes, thinking of elected party leaders, some who became prime
ministers, an elected president ? No

I’m not talking about having a President as such. I’m just asking what people see as the purpose of the royal family ?

Alright then if not “the purpose” then what is that people like about having a royal family? ( NOT as an alternative to a President!)

One purpose usually put forward is that they bring in tourism. I will have a good think and see if I can come up with something of my own.

Lucca

Anniebach

Yes, thinking of elected party leaders, some who became prime
ministers, an elected president ? No

I’m not talking about having a President as such. I’m just asking what people see as the purpose of the royal family ?

This may well be dismissed by others, but our current monarch has been a dignified and dutiful Head of State and is ostensibly apolitical. She is respected by many people, not only in the UK but abroad. I admit to being less keen on her successors.

If anyone can suggest a way of the UK producing a Head of State who embodies those qualities I think I'd be happy to run with it.

I don’t know whether the royal family bring in tourism or not, but certainly I’ve been a very interested tourist in many countries that do not have a royal family. This leads me to conclude that probably most tourists to the UK don’t come here because of the royal family. I find the culture of other countries the most interesting, and that’s got nothing to do with having a royal family.

Lucca

Alright then if not “the purpose” then what is that people like about having a royal family? ( NOT as an alternative to a President!)

Now, like is easier to explain Lucca because that comes down to personal taste. I like the way the RF showcases all that is or was British. In terms of tradition, pageantry, style, even fashion, jewels, and yes, its ridiculousness and complications thrown in.

Well, the Queen is apparently the most famous person in the world.
history.howstuffworks.com/historical-figures/most-famous-person.htm

Just get rid of the lot of them and divvy up the spoils amongst the people. They are an anachronism. The French and the Russians realised this years ago.

The Queen is an alternative to a president.

What is ignored is the fact that some can’t separate the working
royals from the extended family.

There are 7 working royals and the Queen and they do much for charities which affect us all. They carry out official visits as do presidents and do so with dignity .

When Diana dropped the charities she supported they suffered
loss of funds.

Yes the Russians now have Putin.

Information about all of us is available. Very few people will be interested in it. If information is available about the Royal Family very many people will seek it out and it will be endlessly discussed and commented upon. This is why it should remain private.

I haven't got time to concern myself with the RF's secrets.
But my husband and I (lol) love the Queen to bits.

Putin is probably the best and most effective leader around. If you are Russian at least.

Alegrias1

We are often told on here that despite the financial or democratic problems with the system, having a Royal Family provides continuity and something to fall back in in times of crisis, such as pandemics. So what do we think of this quote from the Sunday Herald this morning, regarding whether certain Royal papers should be released. In this case it should be noted that the papers already belong to belong to the tax payer but we’re not allowed to see the content.

Protecting the dignity of the Queen and working members of the royal family by protecting their privacy in truly private matters preserves their ability to discharge their duties in their fundamental and central constitutional role, not least of unifying the nations (as was seen during the depths of the current pandemic). Roger Smethurst, head of knowledge and information at the Cabinet Office.

On other words, if we know what they were really like in private, we’d never be taken in by their idealised images. They need to keep some things secret because they don’t fit with the image they want to portray.

Thoughts?

Wills are normally available as public records, if you are desperate to see the DoE’s. Since you feel the Royals should open their private business, you presumably would not mind if your own details were a matter of public scrutiny. Do tell.