Why is no one talking about the grey men?

[Andsoforth]

In all the threads about the H&M documentary, no one seems that bothered about the role of the advisors to the royal family.

I find it hard to wrap my head around the idea of a family, chosen by God to rule. But
as a republican I can accept it as the will of the British people that their head of state be chosen in this way. And the real work of governance is (generally) by their elected representatives.

So I find it disturbing that unelected, unaccountable people control advise the monarch and to a greater or lesser extent steer the narrative. The media are also unelected, but at least people can vote with their wallet so to some extent they can claim a mandate.

Who appoints these advisors? Within their own ranks is there a representative spread of age, gender, class and ethnicity? What qualifies them to advise?
(Given that QEII failed to prevent BJ illegally proroguing parliament, its clear that constitutional law doesn’t feature)

Harry’s account of the two conversations with his grandmother was a very poignant example. I know this isn’t anything new, but AIBU to think it should provoke some concern and discussion regardless of where people stand on M&H?

And if not, why not?

??? You mean civil servants?

We have a whole raft of them. They remain in post as our elected governments change.

Or are you basing your thinking on the tv series?

Because the royal advisors are many and varied. Many have held senior diplomatic posts, like ambassadors to other countries, senior adviser to the EU etc..

I think you are overthinking this. Most of the people I know think of the Royal Family like a glorified soap opera. It’s something we all know about, can chat about and have an opinion on. Basically a British version of Dallas (that’s a reference for us oldies).
It’s quite exciting waiting for the next instalment of the saga, what mad thing will the script writers come up with next.

Oh, and there is a scandal behind the like of BAME advisors, the royal household was exempted from various race relation constrictions, and sex discrimination too, back in the 1960s - was something of a government issue based on the stats of the day, that most BAME individuals would be recent immigrants.

Even in the late 90s there were few if any BAME staff. But they no longer use the exemptions and have about 10% BAME staff - UK population c. 18% - though many households, like the Cambridge's don't collect the data, so we don't know the real figures.

Royal advisors are at least a fair way from government policy. Government advisors (spads) might worry you more. Look at that fella that made Barnard Castle famous!

Do you mean the privy council?
It’s made up of mostly elected politicians plus judges from the judiciary. Don’t see any issue with “unelected” advisors from the judiciary as politicians aren’t known for respecting law.

Too true. SPADS are the ones that need a close look...

The 'grey men' thing makes me think OP means the private secretaries etc. It's a phrase Diana used that has been taken up by The Crown and H+M!

We need a proper overhaul of our constitution, a proper voting system and abolition of the house of Lords. We also need to ditch the idea of a State Church that was only created so a randy old git could get a divorce.
But we won't get any of it because "tradition".
I'm not even a republican - wouldn't mind the RF carrying on in a ceremonial capacity.

@Andsoforth I find it hard to wrap my head around the idea of a family, chosen by God to rule.

Cromwell cancelled the Divine Right of Kings centuries ago. Do keep up.

You only have to look at history to see British Monarchs being rejected or discarded , more like musical chairs than God's choice or decision.

We'd need a realistic idea of what to replace them with. And all the financial to'ing and fro'ing. Crown properties. All the odd legalities. What kind of government, construction etc etc.

Small steps seems to be the preference.

And getting rid of the HoL would be a bloody disaster.

I didn’t know Cromwell had got rid of the Devine right stuff either- which is crazy!