To think the Commonwealth has had its day?

[antelopevalley]

The Commonwealth is a colonialist institution based on a history of conquest and slavery.

"The origins of the Commonwealth come from Britain's former Empire. Many of the members of the Commonwealth were territories which had historically come under British rule at various times by settlement, conquest or cession. The administration of such colonies evolved in different ways, to reflect the different circumstances of each territory."
www.royal.uk/commonwealth

The Commonwealth Games have never been held in an African country. Although there have been exceptions, most years it is held in Britain, Australia, New Zealand or Canada. Since 1930 it has only been held three times in other countries. Or seven countries if you include youth games and paraplegic games.

The Commonwealth has no clear role; it confers no trade privileges upon its members, does not coordinate their defence or foreign policy, and lacks both the budget and the executive authority to make a practical difference in the world.

It is a colonialist hangover that has no clear role and should be abolished.
AIBU?

Well if it’s in the DM it must be true.

I was expecting a press statement from the RF website

The last time a country left was the Maldives in 2916, it they have since rejoined. Before that. Zimbabwe in 2003.

And Zimbabwe officially applied to rejoin in 2018.

Because you can’t apologise on behalf of someone who has long since been dead, someone you have never ever met, without it being insincere. If I apologised on behalf of someone else that holds no water. The most sincere thing at this stage in time would be to acknowledge the wrongdoing and effects of the atrocities - which both Charles and William have done.

Beaides, let’s say they did apologise - would that change your view on the commonwealth?

That's as it should be because the Commonwealth is actually nothing to do with the Queen. Yes, she is the Head of it but the members could remove her if they so wish. The fact that they have chosen not to, shows their admiration and respect for her. William has already conceded that he won't be the head when he becomes king.

The new countries that have joined have their own heads of states - it's not like they're asked to swear fealty to the Queen. 🙄 The King of Malaysia and the Queen of the UK aren't duking it out in Piccadilly Square for who's the top dog monarch!

You can acknowledge the part your family played in slavery.
The statement was so wishy-washy as to be menaingless.

I don't follow the royals so I could be wrong but wasn't part of the Edward and Sophie tour axed last minute once they realised they weren't wanted?

A 'royal expert ' Richard Fitzwiliams is quoted :

While the Royal Family needed to “deal more fully with the problematic legacies of empire” such as structural racism, violence, coercion and the extraction of natural resources

Deal more fully . Someone else who recognises that 'sorrow ' isn't adequate .

@MarieIVanArkleStinks
And yes, it does stink of the hangover of colonialism.

If it stinks of that, why do you think colonial countries want to stay in it? Why do countries want to join it? Why do countries who have left it, what to get back in it?

Is it at all possible that you actually know zippity squat about the Commonwealth of Nations and what it offers its members and are just talking out of your arkle?

I thought it went ahead, but was not well received. But there was virtually no coverage anyway as most people are not interested in them.

Well, the Commonwealth doesn't dispute that in any way:

"The Commonwealth is a voluntary association of 56 independent and equal countries."

From their website.

Countries can join and leave of their own accord.

So, I don't think you thought your comment through very much.

My comment was a response to the question from pp in the post I quoted.

I continue to think that it shows self determination of status, and I am also glad you agree with me that it is a fundamental part of the nature of the Commonwealth.

(I think some posters would prefer to decree what other countries should do about independence, Head of State and Commonwealth membership, and it’s always good to see others staunchly on the side of self determination without British interference)

Personally I think that if people in the countries are happy to be in the commonwealth, then U.K. should do the most it can to help it be a useful organisation.

and - as I said earlier in the thread, it provides trade advice (to help small countries increase exports), funds loan guarantees, election observation, education forums.

if countries like Ireland think that the benefits aren’t that great for them and oppose the origins of the commonwealth, then fair enough - leaving is right for them.

and it’s always good to see others staunchly on the side of self determination without British interference

Maybe I missed them but have there been posters complaining about Barbados becoming an independent state? Has anyone said, or even implied, that Barbados or any other country were wrong to become independent?

No.

but that’s not only only aspect of what I was saying, is it?

But seeing as I’m clearly the shitlist poster for this thread whose every turn of phrase with be picked at, I’ll leave you to it.

But adding ‘my ancestors played a part in this’ would change the sentiment entirely?

Again, it’s just my personal opinion, it I don’t think that apologies for people before us are worth shit. No one can apologise on behalf of another person without their permission. I imagine if they DID apologise then everyone would go mad and say they’re patronising and insincere

I disagree - and there’s plenty of coverage of working royals. The fact that YOU might not see it means nothing

@LydiaBennetsUglyBonnet I don't know whether your use of the phrase 'played a part in slavery' is due to your lack of knowledge or to your attempt to play down the role of the British monarchy in the instigation , organisation and promotion of slavery .
If it is the former :

theconversation.com/amp/five-ways-the-monarchy-has-benefited-from-colonialism-and-slavery-179911

I was actually directly quoting the OP. It was something of a tongue in cheek response.

So if you think the term ‘played a part in slavery’ is minimising then take it up with @antelopevalley

OP is raising the issue of slavery and challenging posters such as you who appear to be minimising it .

For anyone who wants a link with more information:

www.theglobeandmail.com/amp/opinion/article-for-the-royals-slavery-is-a-family-affair-they-need-to-show-remorse/

As it happens, I doubt my ancestors and I have any slavery-related connections to lament as they were humble weavers until the early C20.

I read a LOT about the Royal Family. I know there is a lot about the Royal Family. There was virtually nothing about Sophie and Edwards tour and most of what there was about the lack of public interest.

I did not use that phrase. I said:
"You can acknowledge the part your family played in slavery."

Do not use me as a shield for your minimisation.

Do you mean their Carribean tour in Spring?

Theres hundreds of articles about it.

But seeing as you’re the paragon of the RF’s news exposure, I believe that Google is in fact showing me a mirage.

There really is way less than normal. And sorry the poster above was right, they did axe part of their tour.

www.birminghammail.co.uk/news/midlands-news/prince-edward-sophie-cancel-tour-23752251