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Are the Royal Family losing their touch?

(847 Posts)
volver Sun 03-Apr-22 16:22:31

A couple of weeks ago we had the disastrous PR associated with the Caribbean tour, and now the judgement of the Queen is being questioned, for giving Prince Andrew such a prominent role in the Duke of Edinburgh's memorial service.

The position of the Royal Family depends very strongly on their acceptance by, and the support of, the public both here and overseas; are they losing that?

Grany Tue 10-May-22 21:49:08

Why do they use real bears skins

avitorl Wed 11-May-22 12:46:40

After watching Charles give the Queen's Speech yesterday I absolutely think that the whole Royal Family thing has had it's day.It all seems totally ridiculous that it still exists at this stage in our history.

Grany Wed 11-May-22 21:30:22

So do I

Joseanne Sat 14-May-22 06:37:07

I've just been reading about a 40 year old lady called Bowelbabe who sadly has been battling cancer for 5 years. I have no idea who she is, but she has been raising money for the Marsden and creating an awareness of the disease.
William, patron of the Marsden, visited her and her family yesterday to do the honour of making her a Dame. Apparently he was kindness personified and stayed a long while to have tea and champagne.
If this is the direction in which a future king wants to take the monarchy, no fuss, no ceremony, just caring and giving, then I think he should be given a chance.
It is evident William has not lost his touch and is very much in touch.

Bridgeit Sat 14-May-22 08:13:18

Thanks for this positive post,
Unfortunately there always seems to be a substantial negative focus on anything to do with the Queen & her Family .
They are much like the rest of us trying to do their best , none of us get to choose the situation we are born into.

volver Sat 14-May-22 08:19:47

William could be a cross between Mother Teresa and St Francis of Assisi. I'd still want a republic.

Smileless2012 Sat 14-May-22 09:13:27

It's a lovely story isn't it Joseanne and I agree that it shows that he "is very much in touch".

GrannyGravy13 Sat 14-May-22 09:21:33

Josieanne Deborah James aka @bowelbabe, has documented her journey since being diagnosed with bowel cancer at 35.

She has a very successful podcast, You, Me and the Big C and has worked tirelessly to raise awareness of bowel cancer and other cancers.

She has been an inspiration for many, Deborah announced at the beginning of the week that she was now receiving end of life hospice care at home.

Lucca Sat 14-May-22 09:23:10

Here

GrannyGravy13 Sat 14-May-22 09:27:47

A beautiful photo for her family to treasure and remember

Anniebach Sat 14-May-22 09:30:42

56 years ago the Queen visited a disaster area, the press and tv
cameras were there, she spoke to many people and was told
of a woman who had lost 7 members of her family, the Queen
went to the womans house, sat with her for over half an hour,
comforted the woman, no cameras allowed, no interviews
given.

Grany Sat 14-May-22 09:31:09

The monarchy is a corrupt institution undemocratic How many grand homes palaces and castles do they and extended family have at our expense?

I bet William can't wait to hold of the £22 million from Duchy when he is heir. We pay Prince Charles more than £22m a year. That's more than six times the combined salaries of all democratically elected heads of state in Europe.
#AbolishTheMonarchy

The Caribbean tour went well not William reading the room in touch? No

volver Sat 14-May-22 09:34:07

Although sometimes I think Grany is a bit extreme (sorry Grany wink) I do think its an incredible co-incidence that since the ill-managed tour in the Caribbean we are seeing lots of pictures of William with babies, hugging pensioners and having tea with national treasures.

GrannyGravy13 Sat 14-May-22 09:37:57

Prince William didn’t arrange and or organise the Caribbean Tour, it was in all probability arranged by Governments of all Countries involved as previous tours have been.

It had its problems but it wasn’t an unmitigated disaster.

volver Sat 14-May-22 09:55:28

No.

I don't suppose he arranged or organised the Damehood for that lady, or arranged and organised visiting her house, either.

You can't have it both ways. He either organises the things he does, or he doesn't.

Grany Sat 14-May-22 09:57:47

I am only saying what I think, facts volver How is that extreme. I do like your posts about RF succinct, hit the nail on the head. smile

GrannyGravy13 Sat 14-May-22 10:19:36

volver

No.

I don't suppose he arranged or organised the Damehood for that lady, or arranged and organised visiting her house, either.

You can't have it both ways. He either organises the things he does, or he doesn't.

Regarding Deborah James Damehood, it has been reported that Prince William did approach HM and asked for it.

GrannySomerset Sat 14-May-22 10:33:51

I have yet to see any of our republican posters explain how we would be better off as a republic - not only in terms of what they see as cost but in reputational and soft power terms too. I suspect the equation is far from simple.

Aveline Sat 14-May-22 10:36:58

Positive pics of William and Catherine (or catheter as my phone keeps changing it to!) are nothing new. Whatever some might think, the Great British public love to see them

Grany Sat 14-May-22 11:14:04

GrannySomerset

I have yet to see any of our republican posters explain how we would be better off as a republic - not only in terms of what they see as cost but in reputational and soft power terms too. I suspect the equation is far from simple.

Reputational as seen as not having a monarchy giving government all the power not helping the country or public, to defend our constitution by holding government to account checks and balances as queen won't do this for our country but takes the money and all the trappings, it's seen by other countries as a waste of space and money.

Having a HoS that represents the people and country here and abroad defending our constitution checks and balances.

Our elected head of state would be free to speak out on important issues of the day, but would not be allowed to speak on party political matters or get involved in party politics. The head of state could give a voice to the people's concerns or hopes, put new issues onto the public agenda or support community groups and charities in promoting non-partisan causes.

Jaberwok Sat 14-May-22 11:20:01

I thought it was a wonderful gesture from Prince William and I fail to understand why anyone would resort to sneery comments. Basically the RF are damned if they do and damned if they don't. I suppose anything that helps to makes the RF popular is an anathema to republicans which is rather sad and doesn't do their cause any good at all. Perhaps as suggested above, someone could persuade us who generally support the RF, the benefits of an elected President, and who would be a suitable candidate, because tbh I cant think of one person , and judging by other countries their choices seem completely abysmal. Give me, and my family, theRF anyday .

volver Sat 14-May-22 11:20:47

Regarding Deborah James Damehood, it has been reported that Prince William did approach HM and asked for it.

It has been reported

Must be true then.

volver Sat 14-May-22 11:21:59

judging by other countries their choices seem completely abysmal.

I looked for Petera's template but couldn't find it .

So. Zelenskyy.

Jaberwok Sat 14-May-22 11:24:29

Not have a political bias?!! Nice thought, but wishful thinking in the extreme. I don't think many people would believe that.

volver Sat 14-May-22 11:24:50

Grany

I am only saying what I think, facts volver How is that extreme. I do like your posts about RF succinct, hit the nail on the head. smile

I don't generally disagree with you Grany, but some of the accusations are quite strong. I don't expect to change anybody's mind on here who think that the RF are chosen by God and are hard working saints who must never be gainsaid, or disagreed with. We just approach it in different ways wink

Thanks for your comments about my posts.