Who are National Treasures these days?

[SiulaGrande]

DD has been adamant only the Queen and David Attenborough are national treasures. I beg to differ but am finding it hard to think of people! (I do have Covid though).

After bit more discussion, she's added Lenny Henry, and Maggie Smith "at a push". She's 12.

So who do you say are currently national treasures, personality-wise?

Hilary Mantel

@Balonziaga David Beckham has faced a lot of flack lately for becoming an ambassador to Qatar

Like the idea of treasures in waiting. DD and I think they have to be old as it takes that long to do enough to be one.

@MacavityTheDentistsCat

Perhaps: Delia Smith Simon Rattle Ellie Simmonds Princess Anne

Oh yes, Simon Rattle

Alan Bennett
Jo Brand
David Attenborough

Judi Dench cannot be argued with.

We need some National Treasure criteria?
Truthful, kind, moral, modest, quick to talk about the good of others before themselves.

Rules out ALL the politicians.

Ian McKellen

Paul O'Grady - always seems such a kind and compassionate man, and very funny

(And maybe Simon Russell-Beale?)

Billy Connolly, Judy Dench. Julie Walters,

Gary linekar
Marcus Rashford

Another nomination for Paul O Grady, hes fab!

Julie Walters

Miriam Margoyles
Stephen Fry
Julie Walters

Would all be in my top 10.

Omg, forgot Michael Palin. The most treasury treasure of them all. 🥰

Julie Andrews

Amazed your DD at 12 has heard of Lenny Henry and Maggie Smith. Off to ask mine if they know who they are. They’ve only heard of YouTube and tiktok stars.

Martin Clunes

John Thaw was. ☹️

Susan Calman

RestingStitchFace

Omg, forgot Michael Palin. The most treasury treasure of them all. 🥰@SiulaGrande

You’re absolutely right. My mum had a long conversation with a member of his staff at one of his evening lectures at the NHM many years ago.
She had been trying to leave his employ for several years, to further her professional career. In the end though, each time she just couldn’t do it because he was so “damned lovely to work for, f^*k him”.

If deceased people are allowed, may I suggest the splendiferous Terry Jones and the glorious in SO many ways Alan Rickman?

@spanktastic

I would say David Jason, he's lovely.

Another vote for him here, I LOVE him, have done since I was 10ish.

John Finnemore - not as well known as he should be, but most Radio 4 aficionados will know who I mean

Terry Pratchett when he was alive. RIP. What a loss.

Shirley Hughes, the illustrator

J K Rowling, for sure

Brian Cox

@CovidFreeChristmas

Brian Cox

Which one?

Rowan Atkinson!