AIBU?
republicans, over here!
arghpleasestop · 09/09/2022 21:54
OK, it's been 24 hours now.
Can I say it yet?
Long live the king - any king! - you must be joking. How on earth can it be the 21st century and there is still a hereditary monarchy of 'special people with the right blood' who wear crowns, live in palaces and play a formal role in politics?
I can see from other threads that others feel upset and are following it all closely. This thread is not to deny those feelings and for sure Queen E worked hard shaking hands for a long time - but to say, WTF, bring on the republic please.
Am I being unreasonable?
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greenhousegal · 09/09/2022 23:04
The Queen was the glue that held it all together. She commanded respect from the vast majority due to her long reign and devotion to duty, right up to the last minute of her life.
I don't think the same respect will accrue to the RF now that she is gone. The gloves may come off about all of them via the media perhaps. Then it's all over.
arghpleasestop · 09/09/2022 23:04
When I started this thread it was really to vent after 24 hrs of the BBC black tie, the text from DC school about a 'nation in grief', all the posts from companies on social media etc.
But it's got me thinking now. How do you end a monarchy and put a republic in its place in a peaceful and democratic way with no bloodshed?
As some are saying perhaps it just fades away and becomes irrelevant as younger people lose interest.
BigBearLittleBear · 09/09/2022 23:05
I’m in my early 40s. Up until a couple of years ago I was a fairly staunch republican but my views have softened. I can actually see value in an institution that stands for continuity and leadership that’s above party politics. My view is illogical and I accept monarchy is an anachronism in the modern world. Maybe I’m just getting old and a bit less radical 😂
bloodyplanes · 09/09/2022 23:09
Lunar270 · 09/09/2022 22:33
Does anyone know at what point a referendum would take place to decide whether the monarchy should continue?
I have no ill feelings for the royal family but think it's all a bit archaic and unecessary. I don't care how much money they bring to this country as the human construct that is monarchy, should really be consigned to the history books.
I think the absolute outpouring of grief in this country over the queen's death has shown that a referendum on abolishing the monarchy will probably work out the same way that the brexit one worked out for those who wanted to remain. You seriously misjudge the strength of feeling for the monarchy in this country if you believe that we will become a republic any time soon.
cakeorwine · 09/09/2022 23:09
Turns out that Macron (well, the French President whoever they are) is also the Prince of Andorra and that makes him the co- Prince of the Principality.
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Andorra#Politics
So he is President of a Republic and also a Prince
MrsFezziwig · 09/09/2022 23:10
ilovesooty · 09/09/2022 22:50
What's the evidence that she considers herself "important"?
MrsFezziwig · 09/09/2022 22:49
I have plans for both Saturday 17th and Monday 19th and will carry on with them. If anyone finds that disrespectful then that is their problem, it is certainly not mine. Mourning a total stranger is not compulsory.
I think you’re probably imagining yourself to be more important than you actually are.
Well, the fact that she considers that anyone would be overly bothered about what her plans are?
cakeorwine · 09/09/2022 23:11
bloodyplanes · 09/09/2022 23:09
I think the absolute outpouring of grief in this country over the queen's death has shown that a referendum on abolishing the monarchy will probably work out the same way that the brexit one worked out for those who wanted to remain. You seriously misjudge the strength of feeling for the monarchy in this country if you believe that we will become a republic any time soon.
Lunar270 · 09/09/2022 22:33
Does anyone know at what point a referendum would take place to decide whether the monarchy should continue?
I have no ill feelings for the royal family but think it's all a bit archaic and unecessary. I don't care how much money they bring to this country as the human construct that is monarchy, should really be consigned to the history books.
There is outpouring for the Queen.
But the Queen and the Monarch are 2 different things. People know that the Queen held it together.
I think that it will take time, but the Queen was a hard act to follow.
cakeorwine · 09/09/2022 23:13
bloodyplanes · 09/09/2022 23:09
I think the absolute outpouring of grief in this country over the queen's death has shown that a referendum on abolishing the monarchy will probably work out the same way that the brexit one worked out for those who wanted to remain. You seriously misjudge the strength of feeling for the monarchy in this country if you believe that we will become a republic any time soon.
Lunar270 · 09/09/2022 22:33
Does anyone know at what point a referendum would take place to decide whether the monarchy should continue?
I have no ill feelings for the royal family but think it's all a bit archaic and unecessary. I don't care how much money they bring to this country as the human construct that is monarchy, should really be consigned to the history books.
To be honest, I have seen a lot of indifference.
The crowds you see at Buckingham Palace are by definition, people who care about the Queen and want to express their support.
HoneyIShrunkThePizza · 09/09/2022 23:19
bloodyplanes · 09/09/2022 23:09
I think the absolute outpouring of grief in this country over the queen's death has shown that a referendum on abolishing the monarchy will probably work out the same way that the brexit one worked out for those who wanted to remain. You seriously misjudge the strength of feeling for the monarchy in this country if you believe that we will become a republic any time soon.
Lunar270 · 09/09/2022 22:33
Does anyone know at what point a referendum would take place to decide whether the monarchy should continue?
I have no ill feelings for the royal family but think it's all a bit archaic and unecessary. I don't care how much money they bring to this country as the human construct that is monarchy, should really be consigned to the history books.
Yes, but that was for the queen. Charles is an entirely different person and I'd hazard a guess that he doesn't elicit such loyalty from those on the fence about a monarchy. I'm a republican and felt strangely fond of the late queen. Charles...not so much.
greenhousegal · 09/09/2022 23:21
Twooforjoy · 09/09/2022 23:17
And Ireland becoming a republic was a blood free process was it?
And Ireland being colonised and ruled from Britain was a really happy, blood-free joyful experience! Such a shame about the bloody natives rearing up...
I don't think that kind of historical information is on the history curriculum of UK schools. Ignorance is bliss and all that.
arghpleasestop · 09/09/2022 23:34
Some interesting points on this thread
*Commonwealth countries could say one by one 'we don't want a UK monarch any more'. This seems like only a matter of time as I think about it.
*young people not being interested - either because not royalty is not egalitarian or just because not relevant
*the royals could do themselves in through their own behaviour eg Prince Andrew. Or even Meghan and Harry imploding their jobs and turning into US celebs instead
DelphiniumBlue · 09/09/2022 23:39
Discovereads · 09/09/2022 22:19
The last time we had a republic didn’t work out so good for us.
To be fair, that was a while ago, things were different back then. Religion played a huge part in that, which wouldn't be the case now.
OP, I absolutely agree with you. It is obscene that some people are so privileged while other people's elderly parents will be literally freezing this winter, for no reason other than being born into a particular family.
Elizabeth personally took her responsibilities seriously, and did her job well. But that is not a good enough reason to continue with the monarchy, which is an outdated and unfair institution.
Hereward1332 · 09/09/2022 23:41
I would far rather give more political power to a monarch, born to the idea of long term service and benefit to their country, than have it in the hands of short termist politicians. Politicians, even the good ones, have to get re-elected every five years and pander to short term concerns. Environment Vs fuel bills.
Rosewaterblossom · 09/09/2022 23:43
The alternative to the monarchy is no better though. At least the monarchy are above politics. Yes we could vote in a "president " but our track record for voting in prime ministers is hardly great is it, so I wouldn't hold out much hope for a good president.
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