...so what exactly is "service and duty"?

[ServiceAndDuty]

After countless threads on the royal family, I feel nobody goes into full detail of what the royal family do apart from the same phrase "service and duty".

I genuinely would like to be enlightened on what this "service and duty" is, not including showing up to events and waving, watching tennis and rugby matches, opening places, having an expensive wedding sometimes etc.

I feel nobody has really answered in detail what it is.

I am open to being educated if I'm missing something.

@wincarwoo

You responded to my question with depends how you look at it.

I took that to mean you thought it was worth it.

I don't think it is over inflated. They perform a service. The nation benefits. People love them. They are part of our constitution

Sad isn't it? not science, engineering or even sport but a tired old lady from a bygone era.

Read up on the Queen's 'soft power' - her diplomatic role in hosting and meeting foreign heads of state and dignitaries, especially her State Visit to Ireland in 2011 which enormously helped the Peace Process

The GFA had been signed and implemented long before her visit, the IRA had dis armed, Paisley had accepted McGuiness as deputy minister years earlier but then the Queen signed of Brexit which has done so much to undermine the GFA and the peace process.

Again, how do we all benefit?

Its a just a meaningless phrase.

@wincarwoo

Of course its over inflated.

The fact that people love them is part of the problem

They dont love you, thats for sure.

It is your life not being your own, to decide what you want to do, where to live, how to be, dress, etc.

It's being born into a situation where your family obligation is to devote your life to setting a good example to others, and spending your working hours helping them.

Service and duty is at 96 still working. With a smile on your face and love in your heart. Until less than 48 hours before you die.

The monarch is a symbolic duty, as head of The Anglican Church, Leader of the Common Wealth, formerly Emperor. Head of army and Navy.
Basically the King is a figure head for the traditional British Institutions and therefore power structures. The TV show is called 'The Crown' because the monarch is transient, the Crown, is historic and marches on into the future eternally, or so they plan.

How have the rf set a good example to others?

What example has Andrew set?

Or Charles?

Or William? Or Kate for not leaving?

Being either ripped apart or sycophantically adored by the world’s media. Sometimes both, in the same day. And having to take it. I think that’s definitely part of their service and duty and not for all the diamonds in existence would I do that.

Seriously…. I think it’s hard to quantify because such a lot of it is soft power. It’s being endowed with myth and glamour and money and the very essence of a nation and having to switch it on for the benefit of people. So you make someone’s life because you speak to them. Or a foreign nation is well disposed towards making a deal with us because of a royal visit.

it’s a cage. Surely staying in it is service and duty.

The monarch is also Head of State. Not just in the UK.

If you've ever travelled for work you'll know it isn't glamorous and fun about 95% of the time.

Imagine your diary being booked up years in advance with all the places you have to go to, meeting people you are unfamiliar with and undertaking tasks ranging from opening parliament to unveiling a plaque at a new public building. Your time is literally not your own, but it is your duty to go in service of your country.

I've just had a bit of a read through that. Christ almighty, they do two thirds of fuck all don't they!! I'm shocked. I vaguely thought that they had reasonably busy-ish schedules but they absolutely do not. A bit of pratting around at tennis matches and polo events and the occasional zoom meeting. Bit of an eye opener that!

The Queen has a constitutional role, in that she has weekly audiences with the Prime Minister, and the red boxes follow her around everywhere. She has to sign various Acts of Parliament, I believe.
She is also required by the Government to host various dignitaries - foreign rulers, etc.
All new ambassadors are introduced to the Queen - Monarch, etc (recently by Zoom, since her mobility problems, etc)

If you've ever travelled for work you'll know it isn't glamorous and fun about 95% of the time.

I’d imagine having your own private jet makes it less stressful than for ordinary people who have to queue at check in, negotiate airport security passport control etc.

Why do they have to set a good example? They are human.

It's a bit of a stretch to include 'not discussing' something as a duty.

@wincarwoo

I was responding to @MrsClarkandPercy

Who said they had to

And the whole idea of royalty is that they are not just human

They're royal.

So above the plebs.

Of course they need to set a good example (they dont) They're paid enough for it.

You think it's 'human' to take advantage of underage girls?

I think this gvt are possibly going to have a shock with Charles. For instance the Cancelling of parliament that Johnson did- I think Charles would have asked rather more detailed questions and took secondary advice.

I mean, I know people were accusing the op of being obtuse but some of these responses are ridiculous

Oh. They have to travel.

They have to talk to people.

Has everyone forgotten what an actual job is?

As for not seeing any specifics, I saw various interviews last week with people who were helped personally by the Princes Trust, who said they might not be here without it! I think you underestimate the charitable work of theirs, their royal patronages, it all brings awareness, and ultimately money for good causes they support.

Someone else asked what tourism does for ordinary people - surely hotels have benefitted this week, people renting out their car parking spaces, shop keepers selling touristy stuff, other shops, cafes, restaurants. Train operators up and down the country, airlines.

The Duke of Edinburgh Awards scheme encourages young people. Kate brought out that post-Covid photography book for the National Portrait Gallery, Meghan helped with that Grenfell cookbook. Just off the top of my head.

anyway I won't be responding to you after this as I'm here for a discussion not an argument.

You mean a discussion in which everyone has to agree with you?

@marcellen nice try.

I've always assumed it meant their service and duty to the public.

Which I think broadly translates to turning up for events, waving from a carriage and having a show role involvement in the Government.

It doesn't strike me as particularly onerous and the enormous privilege makes it personally hard to feel thankful.

I'm not grateful for their 'charitable' work.

Its the bloody least they could do.