Lion in Winter

And the constitutional monarchy really has been a remarkably stable system of government. No dictators for quite some time now, and just compare us to the French who are on, what, their 4th Republic now? How many attempts do they need to get it right?

Also, cake.

Lion in Winter

I don't think days on the river give you urinary tract infections, unless the trip was, um, a lot more exciting than it looked...

lansbury

and what have we got to follow this when she goes. The big ear twit who talks to trees and the slapper.

Nutek

Queenie did look kinda frisky.

Not sure that would account for it either though.....

Jerseygirl

I wondered yesterday what toll it would play on their health. Even though they were undercover most of the time...stood around for hours on end...on a cold, damp day can't be good for you when you are in your late 80's/early 90's. Not forgetting of course the vets that attended yesterday's event. One vet who was interviewed had rain dripping from his ears...I wonder what shape he is in today.

rpjs

I suspect that the SAS has standing orders to sequestrate Prince Brian and waterboard him until he signs the firm over to his eldest when 'Er Maj finally joins the choir invisible.

Lion in Winter

True, but that's the point of the constitutional monarchy. It isn't supposed to matter who holds that office - it isn't about personalities, in the way that politics is - it only matters that the office is upheld.

Sally Redux

Why is she a 'slapper'?
The whole point of a monarchy is you don't get to pick and choose who you want.

lansbury

In her younger days she was known as the best **** in London.

lansbury

That's the whole point of why in this day and age it is archaic. Some unelected moron gets put into a position of power just because of an accident of birth.

CAdreaming

Just watching the concert outside of the Palace -wish i was there!! I used to walk past it every day on my way to work - Oh how i took it for granted and didnt even notice it!!! You dont know what you had until it's gone I guess...no one puts on a show quite like the Brits!!!

Lion in Winter

She doesn't have much power in terms of the government. And the accident of birth is the whole point - she holds the position for the constitution, and has obligations to it, rather than the other way around. She didn't claw her way into power through corruption and the spending of millions, so she doesn't have to worry about maintaining her position, only about her obligation to the British constitution.

She can't execute anything (or anyone). She has the power to warn, to advise, and has the right to be informed or consulted or something like that.

The main point of a constitutional monarchy is just that, constitutional. While she is head of state, theoretically some other nasty can not be, and cannot do away with the reforms and protections that have been won over the centuries.

Having said that of course, people are doing a pretty good job of doing away with the function of the House of Lords (that of controlling any excesses of the Commons who respond to electoral pressures).

Archaic - yes, fairly, but less archaic than that of despotic dictatorship which plenty of countries around the world have suffered from without any monarchs, and in recent times.

I hold no brief for monarchy in general, but evidence suggests that what we have been doing in the UK since the middle of the 17th century has worked pretty well for us.

Lion in Winter

What, unlike all those fine upstanding politicians and their spouses?

CAdreaming

To all you sceptics you have to be in UK right now to really appreciate it and to get the full flavour - it really is an amazing weekend - I for one salute her dedication and service - G-d Save the Queen!

lansbury

If you like that sort of thing it probably is, personally I don't give a toss.