To think the royal family are a bloody embarrassment

[MariaAngustias]

Just that - why are we paying for this bunch when we could be spending the money on essential services? Let the Queen continue then after her just get rid of the whole bloody lot of them. We have and alleged paedo, a whinging multi millionaire in his 30's moaning constantly, an allegedly corrupt heir to the throne meeting dodgy russians for money....... just go, enough. Seriously - this is all Jeremy Kyle for poshos.

Yeah they don't look great. It's all weird and uncomfortable. They're human yet pretend not to be.

You sound a bit whiny yourself op!

And bitter

Yanbu. I've always supported the Royal family, but with whats gone on the last few years I dont. Plus all the hangers on, that we as taxpayer's pay to live a life of luxury.

I only like the Queen, William, Harry and Kate.

Jeremy Kyle for poshos

YANBU OP

You sound a bit whiny yourself op! And bitter.

Bitter? In what way? Do you think OP comes across as envying them? Who the hell would want to be in that family?! There is nothing whiny about thinking there are much worthier causes for our country to financially support than that bunch!

It’s great entertainment for non Brits

Well the money comes from the crown estate doesn't it? Wasn't it something crazy like nearly 400 million a year the crown estate makes, then the royal family gets a portion for expenses (staff, travel, maintenance of property) then 80% odd is surrendered to the government? Plus the money from things like palace gift shops / crown estate fees (from visitors) they actually generate way more than they cost, contributing billions to the economy through tourists etc

I think we’re all watching the beginning of the end of the monarchy.
The fact Andrew can dodge legal papers by hiding behind tax funded security is the end of any respect I have for any of them.

Mass media and social media have been the start of the downfall of the monarchy.

Before, they could just go about their greedy, noncey business and the general public were none the wiser.

If Prince Andrew doesn't present himself to be scrutinised then it will be a mockery of the law

I hate the way the comms come out "his team will fight on a technicality" as though this is what the public wants to save dear old Andrew

He needs to be presented and defend himself peppery

I agree. I think they've had their time and we should look at alternatives. I think they're exploiting and abusing their positions.

Given the inequality that exists and the hardship faced by so many in the recent pandemic yes I agree with you that the support offered by the royal family has been non existent. I think they are outdated for 2021. I’m not saying we can’t have a royal family; but they could be a different dynamic, progressive, more socialist, more visible and represent a supportive, modern society by changing their behaviour. I think they are clinging to tradition and in the face of the last couple of years frankly it’s embarrassing and naive of them… they definitely could do more to support society and improve fairness. I know they do public appearances etc but in my opinion in 2021 this doesn’t cut the mustard. Xo

Lizzie I agree that made me feel sick that our police are being made to be complicit in this hideous manner dodging serious serious claims.

I'm happy to have a totally slimmed down royalty of one head, mostly living a life of ceromony and most houses etc turned over to tourists

A lot of support for the monarchy is based on respect for the person of the Queen. Once she has gone they are going to find things a hell of a lot more difficult.

We don't pay for them, realistically. They bring in more money in tourism etc than they'll ever cost us.

I like the Queen. She is an excellent monarch. I think William and Kate will do a great job.

I think we should keep them for entertainment value...it's the best real life soap opera ever.

The Andre thing is a fascinating. Not the accusations obviously but the way he (his team) are handling it.

I can't decide if they're just so entitled they genuinely believe they can ignore it all because he's untouchable or if they're completely clueless. I wonder if he's taking advice or insisting he knows best?

Andrew has painted himself into a corner and the royals have chosen to drag themselves down with him. He can attempt to evade the law and be found guilty by default or he can engage and even more sordid details will emerge. His papers were served to his own police officer and his solicitors are now saying they were served incorrectly / not served.
I admire the tenacity of Virginia Giuffre, this will be a pyrrhic victory for her and she has already has a huge burden to carry due to the original abuse.

Andrew is a litmus test for just how untouchable the royals are.

YADNBU, I can't stand the monarchy and think all their assets Inc money, property, etc, should be surrendered to the state and, bar the Queen, Phillip and Prince Charles (only due to age), the rest of them should all have to start working for a living and pay their own way.

All the money from the Crown estate, etc, should be used to fund essential services such as NHS, cheaper public transport, etc.

If you go back far enough their riches stem from taxing ordinary people and landgrabbing, etc, anyway so I don't see it as 'their money/properties' and I do think it should be restored back to the public.

Tourists would still come because the Palaces, etc, would still be there, same as people still visit Versailles, etc, so that's not a valid excuse. It's not like they get to meet the Queen when they're looking around Buckingham Palace.

Obviously I should caveat this Andrew stuff isn't entertaining...but the rest of it is a total soap opera..alleged affairs, fall outs. Poor Queen, what a lot to put up with at her age

YANBU - we should have retired the Royal Family long ago.

If we have to have a Royal head of state (to avoid the politics of electing one), at least let the Queen/King and their direct heirs be the extent of it - no hangers on, minor Royals etc. No utter wastes of space such as Andrew. Pare it down to the Queen; Charles; William and (once he comes of age) George.

All the money from the Crown estate, etc, should be used to fund essential services such as NHS, cheaper public transport, etc.
All the money from the Crown Estate (this year c. £250 million) goes to the Treasury. So it's up to the government what they do with it.

@shouldistop

Jeremy Kyle for poshos