Could this be the end of the Royal family?

[BeijingBikini]

I don't mean if they die of the virus...

But there's nothing like a lockdown to really highlight inequality. I saw an article yesterday about Kate + William "isolating" at Anmer Hall, having done a photoshoot where they pretend to be on the telephone and writing ("working").

I think if people are going to have to spend months at home, in small flats with kids, still going out to work or trying to WFH, queueing for supermarkets with empty shelves......that could definitely breed some discontent. Or if people catch it and have to be treated in makeshift hospitals, not getting an ambulance until they're struggling to breathe, while the RF can be whisked away to a private hospital for treatment. I've already seen a lot of comments along the lines of "why don't they offer up their many palaces to be used as hospitals, rather than doing newspaper articles".

Opinions?

Heygirlheyboy
We looked at the figures the other day - you are paying for the pensions (30/40 years each) of previous heads of state as well, entertaining, staff, private jets/helicopter flights etc. I linked to several [Irish] newspaper articles criticising the expense.

He's adored here, and elsewhere
I had never heard of him.

and how did you know I was in Ireland?
I guessed - had to be the comments of an Irishman/woman.

Yes I noted your ignorance of him earlier in the thread, I don't see that as a reflection of him... Do you know who our Taoiseach is?

He is a civil servant and therefore yes, his pension is paid. It's like having a fancy PM if you like, without the political power. Nothing like Boris mind, thankfully

I think he's on around 200k per annum

Some more figures here, which I've just come across;

"The 2004 Irish Presidency cost around €110m.The cost of our 2013 Presidency is currently estimated at €60 million (though there may be some additional security costs). We have scaled back significantly, including for Presidency-related goods and services."

Do you know who our Taoiseach is?
Yes, of course.

The main issue, for me, with the Royal set-up, is the fact that it passes on, they're very far removed from your average Joe, and the whole extended family is paid for too! The not earning it is completely crazy!

Not really 'of course' to be fair..

Not really 'of course' to be fair..
Brexit.

I refused an OBE

I just want to say I think you're an amazing and principled person

Well there you go, not of course at all. So your 'I haven't even heard of him' re the president rings pretty hollow as a relevant point.

@Clavinova

Have you noticed how none of your copy and paste job above related to PC actually giving?

As usual it's the 'being the face of', 'raising awareness' stuff that doesnt cost them a penny...

Well, I'm not going to repeat the whole thread again - going round in circles here.

Anyway, totally impressed by Prince Charles now - these threads have had the opposite effect to the one intended.

@clavinova

I'm really glad it sounds like you need your fantasies, I would hate to take them away.

Have you noticed how none of your copy and paste job above related to PC actually giving?

I gave £10 to Children in Need - it took me all of 2 minutes and I felt chuffed with myself. Looking back, I should have given an hour of my time instead - much more impressive when you think about it...

@Clavinova

Doing what?

And I'm sure you would if you had nothing else to do and were massively well off. I know I would!

I accepted my knighthood.

I hope this is the end of the RF, most definitely!

@Clavinova

Look, I really get that the royals are obviously special to you for some reason. I feel frustrated for you they are so lazy and useless, it makes it really hard for you to defend them, you're essentially just left with 'but they head up charities!' While having no excuse for how much they cost, the lack of democracy, their contempt of the public, private scandals, huge spending and a stark lack of any real tangible giving, bar their PR opportunities.

I know you say this thread has made you appreciate them more but I dont believe it has.

It has certainly made you dig your heels in more, as people do in a debate, but it's probably been an unpleasant eye opener.

I don't like bursting bubbles, but in this case the loyalty of people like you is not being repaid.

@Mamamia456 ahhh the vested interest emerges!

Wolfgirrl
I don't know - help disabled kids ride ponies, whatever...

Another silly question from a momentum supporter - no wonder you are struggling.

Look, I really get that the royals are obviously special to you for some reason.

Not before these threads - that's the funniest thing about it.

@Clavinova in that case I'm sure you were better off giving the money, to enable professionals to help them.

Wolfgirrl
I think you've missed my point.

Your post at 21.34 says a lot about you Clavinova.

help disabled kids ride ponies, whatever

How dismissive.

You do realise it would be a pretty skilled undertaking and one you couldn't be even trained for in an hour?