Royal 'super fans' - AIBU to think they are bordering on loopy?

[Scaramoose]

I am pretty ambivalent about the royal family. I appreciate that there is a strong argument for a republic but, generally to me they are neither here nor there, and it is not a life I would wish for myself despite the luxury they live in. A lot of my friends are more of the republic camp (probably an unnecessary bit of detail for my post but thought I'd chuck it in!)

However, what I find absolutely extraordinary are people who camp outside the Lindo wing, dressed in Union Jacks, waving flags etc. I can appreciate it more if they were, say, rock stars but the royal family, its bloody bonkers! Who are these people, and what on earth is it that makes them want to camp outside hospitals and the like...?!

Each to their own and all that malarkey but I cannot understand it at all! (And also feel a bit sorry for Kate having that kind of carry on outside when she's inside having a baby!)

I think it's crazy, but I'd think that if they were rock stars too tbh. I don't understand the cult of celebrity at all - they're just people ffs.

Still, I guess they're not doing anyone any harm. Of course it must be intrusive for Kate, but she has knowingly chosen that life, so I can't get worked up about it.

I’m not worked up, more baffled and amused!

I am a republican. I can still see there must be fun in a random week of camping in central London with tea, gin and jolly tunes.

Some have been there for weeks!

I agree it's loopy behaviour but I really love the photos of them all dressed in the union flag, looking all eccentric and patriotic

Long may it continue.

Then on the other hand you have the people spitting venom about "scroungers" and "leeches" and pretty much any vile thing they can think off about the birth of a baby who can't help being born into privilege.

I don't understand either view...

I agree about the other view, referring to them being scroungers or leeches. I think that is what I mean by being ambivalent. I Can’t get worked up either way really, so find the idea of camping outside the hospital for weeks surrounded by pictures of them completely mental

It's fucking bonkers and a tad fucking creepy.

Yanbu, it's bonkers!!

There is one guy in a Union Jack suit who is always there. I would worry he is unwell if he didn't turn up and I have no idea who he is.

I love it! It's such an eccentric way to behave, but really doesn't harm anyone at all.

I quite like the Royal family generally, though, so wouldn't begrudge anyone camping out excited for the birth of a baby - always a lovely reason to celebrate.

I’m also ambivalent about the royals. They seem very nice, (as far as I can tell, having never met them) and there’s that argument that whatever they cost us they make back in drawing in tourists etc, sorry I’m happy enough that we have a royal family.

I do find it a bit cringe when people gush over them and really unpleasant when they spit venom about them.

Camping out at the hospital for weeks is definitely a little eccentric, if not a bit creepy.

*so I’m happy enough

People worship rock bands, sports teams, historical characters (even met a Napoleon worshipper - they are bordering on fanaticism), film stars, celebrities etc. That's why you see crowds outside film premieres and so on.

These people just happen to be fans of Royalty and a royal birth is a big occasion for them. You don't know their personal circumstances - they could be lonely, have learning disabilities or mental health issues or they could just love the Royals. So what?

I don't see anyone slagging off Football team supporters or people who travel hundreds of miles to see their favourite band or performer.

It's easy to mock and deride. Leave them alone - they are doing no-one any harm.

I've just heard two ladies on the radio who have been there for a fortnight already.

WTF!

Why is it any different for people who do it for rock stars?
I’d rather people go on about the royal baby than Bono or bloodu Beyoncr

Bloody Beyonce that is...

I suppose The difference with, say, rock stars or football team is that they actually do something and are generally speaking good at it. The royal family aren’t really known for anything other than being very ill, and the mundane things that appea The difference with, say, rock stars or football team is that they actually do something and are generally speaking good at it. The royal family aren’t really known for anything other than being royal, and the mundane things that appears to involve (at least I would find them mundane!)

Ha because? I dictated that because I am walking with my dog as I look on mumsnet! Needless to say, not all of it came out it was supposed to!!

I was supposed to have said that the royal family aren’t known for very much other than being Royal. Not ill!

Total but cases and the fact it’s concerning a pregnant woman having her baby, a very personal and intimate process, it’s fucking wierd and quite distasteful. What do these people do in real life?

Fwiw, I would find nd people camping outside a hospital for weeks waiting for a rock star / footballer / movie star / whatever gave birth, a little eccentric, if not a bit creepy too. Nothing terrible about it and I doubt the royals mind especially as it sort of goes with the territory I think. It’s just an unusual thing to want to do imo.

I think I might stop dictating now because it seems to be coming out as complete gibberish!

Paxillin - his name is Terry Hutt, he used to live near my sister. He moved a few years ago though, after some ill health, to be closer to family. My sister said he is quite the character!

Find people*

What is going on with my phone today ?

I suppose The difference with, say, rock stars or football team is that they actually do something and are generally speaking good at it. The royal family aren’t really known for anything other than being very ill, and the mundane things that appea The difference with, say, rock stars or football team is that they actually do something and are generally speaking good at it. The royal family aren’t really known for anything other than being royal, and the mundane things that appears to involve (at least I would find them mundane!)

So what - whether they 'are really known for anything' or not is irrelevant?

Some people would say the Queen and the Royal family do a lot. Commonwealth, charities, engagements etc. Then there's the historical continuity which a lot of people like, tradition, patriotism etc. Why is a rock star or a football player worthy of fans but a queen or a princess isn't?

People can be fans of who the hell they want and these people are fans of the Royal Family. They are harming no-one. They are bringing a bit of fun and eccentricity and colour to the news instead of the usual war, strife, doom and gloom.

They want to celebrate the birth of a royal baby. So what? What skin is it off any of your noses?