Steve Crook

Living in a Commonwealth country I would say that you are

The best reason for having a Royal Family is that it's better than having a politician for a President

Steve

donna

yes I agree Steve, this country has free health care on the NHS. we arent tortured or put to death for speaking out about either our Royal family or the government, thats why so many thousands are pouring in. so its not all that bad.

Marky B

Especially President Bliar.
Ta Ta
Marky B

I am special. The heavens always open for me.

ShirlGirl

Yes, she's "Queen of Australia", too! (Although perhaps for not much longer.)
Yet when Australians enter England, we have to join the queue that says "Aliens" to go through customs! And when Australia played against England in some football match - (I don't follow sport so can't be specific) - Betty Windsor sent a message of support to the English team.... naturally!.... so being "our" queen is a bit of a joke, really.

Oh! So the Royal Family runs your country and not politicians!

Marky B

I am a royalist myself,but the likes of Prince Andrew doesn't do much credit for them. I am all for a monarch as head of State rather than a President. Our Prime Minister is elected depending on whatever the ruling party is. The Queen has never interfered in political matters,and every year she reads out the government legislation which is written by the government.
She does have the power to sack the government,but I doubt that would happen unless the government has caused a constitutional crisis,or is really corrupt that it is in no fit state to govern.
There were rumours a few years ago that the Queen had warned Tony Bliar that if he did not go to the country on remaining in the EU,or joining the Euro,she would dismiss Parliament and thus force an election. However,what is said between the Queen and PM is never minuted and never revealed,so we can dismiss that as speculation,but it does illustrate the power she has.
She has certainly the wisdom that many a politician would love to have an ounce and she is probably the most experienced Head of State in the world,and more in tune with constitutional matters than anyone. After all,she has been at the top for 56 years and has worked with every Prime Minister from Churchill (who better to guide a young 25 year old Queen) to Brown.
Long may she reign,but while she is at it rein in the ne'er do wells and make them doing something worthy.
Ta Ta
Marky B

I am special. The heavens always open for me.

batman

I have always had the suspicion that if Prince Charles ever becomes King, he would like a rather more 'hands on' role re government.

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Steve Crook

He might like to, but he wouldn't be able to
The role of the monarch is to advise, inform and warn. And that's about it.

But as Marky said, QEII is the most experienced head of state by far in the world. So anyone who didn't pay attention to her deserves everything they get

And remember that we tried a republic. But decided that we didn't like it so we went back to a monarchy, but with a monarch with vastly reduced powers

Steve

Mark O

All the other posters have more or less answered your question Shirlgirl........they're much better at scripting words together than I am!

Mark

samkydd

I'm not exactly pro-royal but I thought it showed him as being interesting, human and still interested in life after a lifetime of being seen as someone who waves a lot!

"...the chairman of Littlewoods stores made a Keynote speech!"

faginsgirl

I agree with Shirlgirl

xx

We`re changin` lodggggggggings!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Marky B

As always,let us agree to disagree
Ta Ta
Marky B

I am special. The heavens always open for me.

Joenoir

I remember it well!

Start every day with a smile and get it over with.

penfold

But she would be very ill-advised to use it if those rumours had substance....it would be the sure way to establish a Republic if she ever went that blatantly against the wishes of a parliamentary vote of both Houses..

Bit of a Bay Window, what??

Marky B

A good point,Penfold. All I am trying to suggest,as a non-expert,that she could do it if the government was creating a constitutional crisis,or was really corrupt.
Ta ta
Marky B

I am special. The heavens always open for me.

batman

What I meant was that I reckon ol' Charlie will be doing a lot more 'advising' than QE2. He has very strong views on many subjects and may take the opportunity to bend more ears (no pun intended) than he does already. If they don't listen to his 'informed advice' he may 'warn' them of the consequences.

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