I don't want to be 'reigned over' anymore

[Yubgftr]

While I totally respect the Queen and how she served the country, I think it's now a good time to end the monarchy as I think modern society has outgrown it.

Just the idea that someone inherits the job of head of state through birthright and reigns over us peasants is crazy in this modern age. Then all the ceremonies, titles, line of succession are remnants of a completely different era and tbh remind me of episodes of The Tudors or Game of Thrones, it's just so archaic and out of place.

I think having to bow and curtsey to people just because they were born or married into a special family also seems ridiculous. Why should I have to curtsey to any of them? Not saying I'd be rude or disrespectful but having to bend my knee to a set of people as if they were deities, it's just insane! I think I'd actually feel humiliated.

I also don't get the fawning and crying outside the palace - by all means be respectful and recognise her contribution but crying about someone you've never met? To me it's OTT

Back in medieval times when there was little education and religion was used to manipulate the masses, I can understand why all the peasants went mad for their sovereign and saw them as annointed by God etc etc but we're much more enlightened now (most of us!) so we need to make way for a new way of doing things.

Even a new national anthem - why is it all about the king or queen and god saving them? Why not about the people, the nation as a whole?

That said, I also hate the idea of someone like Boris Johnson being head of state and I bet that's a role he'd go for if we were a Republic. Swings and Roundabouts!

YABU - God save the king, monarchy forever
YANBU - time to end the monarchy

100% this

I don't know I like the pomp and ceremony. I don't really like the idea that people are born somehow better but I like the traditions of the 1000 year old monarchy. I don't feel ready to let it go yet.

@Dogtooth
about a presidential system either

Out of interest, what criticisms do you have of the Irish system? The Irish President has been in his role for more than a decade now. In 2021 he was found to be the number one most popular public figure in Ireland, and in 2019 voted the third most admired man in the country.
It’s a seven year system, with a maximum of two terms.

And to all those who say if you don't like it leave don't seem to get the idea of democracy or human rights or freedom of speech ? 51 - 49 in the poll now !

Charles moved the items himself because they got in his way. It was also a highly emotional time for him. He'd probably have had zero sleep. I'd cut him slack on that

No he didn't move them himself. In one incident he grimaced and slid a penholder towards a lackey. In the other, he waved impatiently and repeatedly for a lackey to move the penholder and inkpot.

It all befits a pampered man who needs two people to get him dressed of a morning.

the RF has little day to day power but they are there as an insurance to stop a lunatic PM doing something mad. They have power but they don't use it

There was a bit at the end of the film Royal Family that says exactly that - what can't happen politically as long as the monarch is in place. And really, day to day they have little impact. You don't have to turn out and dutifully wave flags at them when they visit your town, if you meet one you don't have to bow or curtsey and you don't have to watch the Christmas speech. Can't remember when I ever have, frankly.

I think monarchy should be phased out and we should be free to visit the palaces, see the art etc. as they are very important parts of our history. Then again, I understand that the symbolism of hundreds of years of monarchy is a big part of our national identity. Monarchy for many is representative of steadiness and tradition. I wouldn't curtsey as I don't believe humans can be more important than each other by accident of birth. France btw receives more tourist income without a monarchy because places like Versailles can open year-round, not seasonally like Buck palace.

They aren't born better. The job description might be better dependent on your point of view but they themselves aren't better than anyone else. Except maybe serial killers.

Fellow republicans might like to take a look at this

Reublic petition

Both the poll on here and one on another forum I'm on are showing a narrow majority in favour of abolishing the monarchy.

I feel exactly the same & after watching the vile behaviour of charlie the adulterer when he wanted an inkpot moved from his desk and was in a temper tantrum.

I had a grudging respect for the queen and she was a little old lady.

But its way past time for this to end.

@GaffNest I didn't say ban the monarchy.

I said they should pay their own way. A truly patriotic act particularly in these straitened times.

Plus how many people actually see the RF on their visits to the UK? Hardly any, I'll wager. So all the historic buildings and history are the draw. None of which would disappear.

I think people would like a discussion on the subject. But it's not been permitted because Charles has been crowned and there is no space for consideration and evaluation.

And still the halfwits say, "Just leave the country then!" because no other opinion is allowed.

To be fair to her, I feel sure the Queen would not have behaved like that during Inkpotgate.

Yes, this is how I feel too.

I totally agree OP. The entire concept of monarchy is just wrong to me. I would much rather be able to tell my child they can have any job, but it is a lie as noone outside that family can ever be head of state.

I do not understand the people with the off you pop attitude, to me it is just stupidity. People in a democracy hold different views. We can discuss and debate. We can live side by side holding different opinions. Honestly, it is easy to see how fascist dictatorships flourish. Some people positively love a narrow view and everyone thinking the same thing. Mind boggling!

What generates the income attributed to the royals is actually primarily down to the investments and holdings owned by the crown estate.

That money would continue to come in without the RF and we'd save the 100million odd we give them each year via the sovereign grant.

They do not generate billions for the UK economy. They just don't. The tourists come for the palaces and the buildings. See France for an example of this.

@LakieLady
surely better to wait until petition.parliament.uk is back “up running” again, and to start one on there.

Just for once I think we should not divide on this issue, but maybe compromise this time?

Some people understandably after centuries of history and tradition, see the Royal family as a beacon of stability and comfort, a civilised and well trodden diplomatic asset and one that brings a great deal of publicity and tourism to our country. More than that, after an incredible 70 years devoted to the nation, the Queen has been an outstanding example to all of us.

Others understandably see the poverty in this country, they may feel there is a lack of respect given to every day people generally. The money and privilege tied up with the Royal family is obscene, and most people feel the aristocracy is at best dated and worst a huge barrier to equality in our country, not unreasonably.

Look at the vote here: it is nearly 50/50

Does that remind you of anything??

Surely then it is time to make some change.

The Royal family can remain if it slimmed right down to a handful of people, that show value for money. The hangers on are no longer tolerated. The Lords is scrapped along with the titles etc. We then have a "working" small Royal family representing the country - which is better than an elected head of state whom would change every few years and would not have the several decades of experience the Royal family have had - and I would argue would most definitely need in such a complex world. We would not have the position violated by someone that was politically or personally motivated.

This is a good compromise for now in my view, and would certainly make a difference in terms of the costs - and indeed the overall equality of the country.

There is most definitely a soft spot for both sides here

And we definitely can do without any more referendums.

Hmmm, never heard of the Royal African Company, I take it.

Yanbu!

Leave it until after the nation has swallowed a gutful of Charles III for 3-5 years. I'm betting it will be a shoo-in.

Wow, people are even managing to drag in But Corbyn. I thought his condolence message was the best of them all. Simple and humane.

Why should she move? This is OPs country as much as yours and she’s allowed to say and think what ever she wants to without having to be asked to leave.

Btw

The tourism shite has beeb debunked thoroughly. Chester zoo has more visitors yearly than any royal palace/attraction

The (southern) Irish president is akin to the monarch... a figurehead.

If Higgins suddenly had power to do what Trump etc. do he’d soon alienate half the country.

Tourists rarely get to glimpse the Mounbatten-Windsors. It is not as though they trot out to be gawped at every day. Tourism would be just fine without them.