Could this be the end of the Royal family?

[BeijingBikini]

I don't mean if they die of the virus...

But there's nothing like a lockdown to really highlight inequality. I saw an article yesterday about Kate + William "isolating" at Anmer Hall, having done a photoshoot where they pretend to be on the telephone and writing ("working").

I think if people are going to have to spend months at home, in small flats with kids, still going out to work or trying to WFH, queueing for supermarkets with empty shelves......that could definitely breed some discontent. Or if people catch it and have to be treated in makeshift hospitals, not getting an ambulance until they're struggling to breathe, while the RF can be whisked away to a private hospital for treatment. I've already seen a lot of comments along the lines of "why don't they offer up their many palaces to be used as hospitals, rather than doing newspaper articles".

Opinions?

[ChrissieKeller61]

Fingers crossed.
They aren’t working, to even pretend that’s the case is insulting

[MangoFeverDream]

Or how about when they legged it to the countryside when the rest of us are told not to? Fuckers

[MagicKingdomDizzy]

I agree OP.

The money and properties they have at their disposal could make a massive impact in this terrible situation. But so far we have had nothing very helpful from the Royal Family since this pandemic started.

I think the Coronavirus situation will highlight even more just how pointless they really are.

[BoingBoingyBoing]

Let's hope so.

[EasterElf]

I actually think it might strengthen them. A lot of people draw comfort from the continuation of established traditions in times of crisis. Monarchs who ‘see the country through’ times of strife generally get a huge popularity boost.

I also doubt that perceived inequality will harm them too significantly. People have lived through ten years of Tory austerity while the royals live in luxury and it has done little to threaten their position. I don’t think the virus will change things that much in that regard.

[Hollyhead]

You do understand we’d be worse off without them? They pay essentially 80% tax on their estates. Yes they’re incredibly wealthy all the same but the other solution us to sell it off to ‘normal’ people and get 40% tax off the estates.

[Escapeistheonlyoption]

twitter.com/KensingtonRoyal/status/1244178939771260930

For those that haven't seen it.

They bugger off to their 2nd home (1 rule for them it seems)

They should then be isolated as a household but that includes dressing up in full make up and having a photo shoot it seems.

They then share how much their children are enjoying having teh freedom of their large country garden.

Could they have got it more wrong!

[DailyKegelReminder]

Hopefully. Nothing like a crisis to highlight how useless they really are. Unfortunately people know this already but still admire them.

[Escapeistheonlyoption]

You do understand we’d be worse off without them? They pay essentially 80% tax on their estates. Yes they’re incredibly wealthy all the same but the other solution us to sell it off to ‘normal’ people and get 40% tax off the estates.

What income do William and Kate pay 80% tax on? They only income is from Prince Charles or the funding from the public purse isn't it? (prepared to be proved wrong)

[crosspelican]

I think they could be doing a lot more. They “speak” to a demographic that doesn’t see themselves as having a relationship with Downing Street or the mainstream news.

An emergency address from the Queen to the nation urging people to heed social distancing and the official recommendations would help. William & Kate actively leading fundraising and support for vulnerable families.

The photo shoot was very ill-conceived - it shouldn’t have had Kate in a beautifully cut suit sitting elegantly at a ££££ console table in a “royal family” living room, but the two of them at a massive kitchen table on Zoom meetings with fundraisers, whiteboards with targets, the kids running around, and a vibe of hustle and activity. Not pampered cocooning.

They could be doing a lot better.

[Soon2BeMumof3]

Have you just now realised that the royals are rich? 🤷‍♀️ People know that. People like that. That's why they are photographed dripping In jewels for us.

People will love them more than ever for being a distraction from depressing news, for offering nostalgia, for their cute children, and their non-political patriotism.

Queen Victoria rode in an open carriage when London was plagued with poverty and the average life expectancy for a lower class person was around 43. They loved her anyway

[HappyHammy]

Why cant their London homes be used for health workers and.a military hospital build in the grounds.

[crosspelican]

the other solution us to sell it off to ‘normal’ people and get 40% tax off the estates.

Nope. It should be wholly owned by the state, run for profit and then 100% of the revenue would go to the state.

[crosspelican]

Why cant their London homes be used for health workers and.a military hospital build in the grounds.

Hardly as practical as the current arrangements being put in place...

[BeijingBikini]

I thought the photoshoot was in extremely poor taste and sort of painfully jarring with how the rest of the country is living, cooped up in flats actually having to work and having to go for walks around the streets, not a huge country estate.

And yes to the point that everyone from London got told to not go to holiday homes, yet they're fine to do it...

[Irial]

Monarchs who ‘see the country through’ times of strife generally get a huge popularity boost.

Er what? What are they doing that's seeing the country through??

[Lenny1980]

@HappyHammy why should they be when there are unoccupied hotels that can be used right away and exhibition halls standing empty. Why would we build military hospitals from scratch in their grounds rather than use pre-existing empty hangers which are much better suited to the job?

[TheSandman]

Queen Victoria rode in an open carriage when London was plagued with poverty and the average life expectancy for a lower class person was around 43. They loved her anyway

They didn't have social media, the education, or the expectations that we have.

Society changes. Redundant institutions whither and die.
This unaccountable, arrogant, self-serving 'firm' of a 'royal family' is one such.
Its on it's way out. If they and their hangers on are smart they'll duck out quietly and cling onto whatever assets they can hang on to before some future radical government strips them of it all.

[Sizeablecontours]

I'm on the fence about the Royals (enjoy the historical continuity, the horseflesh and the occasional wedding but deplore the social inequality, the obsequiousness and the excess - and yes I know how contrary that sounds) and as the Queen's influence begins to fade, I think people were already starting to question their role before the start of the pandemic, but certainly this crisis is a catalyst for further questioning.

To be fair to the Royals, they can't win really, because if they go out and about, they are flouting the rules and putting others at risk, and if they stay at home, they are surrounded in servants and luxury. I agree that they need to find a way to put time/money/property/resources at the country's disposal in order to remain relevant. That's a. very tricky tpobstacle course to navigate though; tofind a way to be of genuine help and not get in the way, or virtue signal. Certainly, Harry and his Mrs buggering off hasn't helped. Maybe the RF's role will come afterwards when it comes to thanking all the front line staff and visiting hospitals etc once it is safe to do so?
And of course (awful though it is to say) people's opinions and sympathies may depend on how personally the RF are affected by the disease (obviously wouldn't wish this illness on anyone, rich or poor).

One could argue that a certain understandable resentment/outrage from those most adversely affected by austeriry and globalisation , among other things, led to Brexit, resulting in a collective two fingers up at the establishment. I think the jury is out yet as to whether Covid-19 leads to further resentment or an increased sense of gratitude and counting of blessings. Probably the former depending on outcomes and how this is all managed.

[Escapeistheonlyoption]

Queen Victoria rode in an open carriage when London was plagued with poverty and the average life expectancy for a lower class person was around 43. They loved her anyway

Other than those who made attempts on her life!

[StarbucksSmarterSister]

I doubt it.

I never thought I'd say this but I really couldn't care less about them. I think recently we've seen some of them showing their true colours.

[elfies]

Flogging off a couple of disliked heirlooms or jewels and donating the money to the NHS would endear the Royals to me more

[Lifeisabeach09]

There is a similar thread about the Royals.
They have done very little of significance during this crisis.

They pay essentially 80% tax on their estates. Source???

[brassbrass]

I do hope so. So sick of condescending publicity stunts knowing they have no clue how people will be struggling during this time. Every time I come across an article or photo I think 'oh do fuck off!'

[WindowGazer2]

Normally not bothered either way about them. But all them buggering off to their second homes has given me the pure rage. Especially Charles. Haven't seen the photo shoot but sounds horrendous. Where is their contribution to the national effort here? Off with their heads...