To think today's Royal Christening is deliberate mind-fuckery timewarpery?

[Foxypaws70]

It's all so ... 1948? ... mummy pushing the heirloom pram, George's historical fancy dress outfit, the Norland Nanny in her starched uniform, the crown jewels font shipped in from the Tower, the fawning sycophantic voice-over on the BBC helpfully sharing with the little people the details of George's internal monologue ... It still is 2015 is it? Haaaaaalp!!!!! I thought these were the new wave modern Royals?

Democracy worked really well with George Dubya - because he could be voted out. Sadly we can't do that with any of the Royals.

Germany is obsessed by royal families. It might not have one of its own but the gossip magazines are full of all the European royals.

Ego what system do you want then?

Ireland benefits by not having a royal family.

President as head of state (separate to head of government), largely ceremonial role, elected every 7 years.

We've had some extremely distinguished holders of that office in my lifetime.

Ok, rather than better, a country that benefits by not having a royal family

France and Germany don't seem to miss a RF. They're not doing too bad from an economic pov either.

SirChenjin you are comparing apples and pears.

Luckily the Uk is a democracy. So you can dislike the royals to your hearts content. Fine. It makes no overall difference.

So what Ergo? What difference does it make?

Are you saying that the UK is not a democracy?

Sorry Ego not Ergo

Actually they can't afford a nanny without our 'help'. Doesn't Wills earn something like 40k in his role as a rescue pilot or whatever he does?

So decent wage, but not enough for a Norland nanny or enough to run the scadding great pile they're living in in Norfolk

Mind you, the Middletons do seem happy to fund their daughters' lifestyles - but thanks to the tax payer, Kate is largely off their books.

Oh well feel free to move somewhere you get more of a say Ego. Oh that's right, there isn't anywhere

There are plenty of places where there is a far more representative electoral system than in the UK, downgraded.

And it's a bit facile and pointless to say to 'well, move there then' - what's wrong with agitating for reform in the UK?

Ego you can move to those places of course but you wouldn't be entitled to vote....

She would be entitled to vote in Ireland, downgraded

George of course you can "agitate for reform". Because it's a free country.

To question whether the UK is a democracy is simply silly.

Go and "agitate for reform" in a non democracy. See how far you get.

Laurie the Duke and duchess are funded by the Duchy of Cornwall.

William inherited £10 million from Diana's estate. He does not need an income to pay for a Norland nanny.

It's not something that keeps me awake at night Ego