Why do you love The Royal Family?

[pedropony76]

For those that love The Queen & The Royal Family, can you actually explain why?

I often see MNetters saying ‘Oh I love The Queen, I love this member and that member’ but no one ever says why. I came across the video of Stacey Solomon saying she doesn’t get why the country is so obsessed with this family as it could be any one of us born into royalty and I totally agree.

For me, when I think of The Royal Family, I instantly think of colonialism and how many of the jewels on the Queen’s crown has been stolen from different countries. I understand not everyone thinks like this but why do some love the members of this establishment as if they’ve done anything to better your life? I’d love to hear people’s views. I’ve tried to have this conversation in real life but everyone I know couldn’t care less about The Royal Family so I’m none the wiser.

Here’s the Stacey Solomon clip for any who haven’t seen it before

I don't love the RF but I do love the Queen. It's based on admiration for how she's conducted herself for 70 years and how she's never put herself first - service and duty all the way. As she's got older, she's become more human and I think she must be a super granny and great-granny. She doesn't have to have done 'anything to better my life' - I find that a strange way to look at it. However, I have no feelings at all for Charles or Camilla so that affection won't be carried forward. I'll be interested to see whether the modernisation of the RF that he talks about happens as it does need to become more relevant. But the Queen, yes, I'm very fond of her and will be sad when she goes (I'm nearly 70 and I think my age is relevant).

Stacey Solomon should say more on this. To me she’s holding herself back.

There is a lot of nonsense talked about how much ( or little) the royals cost taxpayers. This isn’t surprising as their riches and special arrangements are kept under wraps. Even their wills are secret - everyone else’s is publicly available
’ And what do you do?’ By Norman Baker is an excellent read. A real eye opener.

I don't particularly love (or hate) the Royal Family as individuals, tho' some seem more likeable than others. But I do prefer a constitutional monarchy to an elected President. That would just give "glory-seekers" an excuse to go after the top job, and us another trip to the Polling Station. Then something like half the people wouldn't have voted for the winner. BJ would probably go for it...

And. yes, bad things have happened in the past, jewels taken, people badly treated. But none of the current set are guilty. Would you like to be shunned for for great-grandfather's crimes?

Badger - this so one of the worst defences of the monarchy I’ve read on here !!

You cant bothered to make another trip to the polling station?? Why not forget the whole thing and let the royals just run parliament too? Then you’d not have to bother at all!
An elected president is a ‘ glory seeker’ ? But everyone must bow and scrape to the royals … Andrew won’t arrange his own teddies but an elected president ( who will actually have achieved much in order to be considered for the role ) is a glory seeker ???? Words fail me .
I can only assume you have given this zero thought .
People ( I was going to write most people but that is wrong as a majority of younger people want rid of monarchy) accept what they have been given re the royals and dont question anything. This is why they have got away with it for so long.

Novella4 · Today 09:06
Badger - this so one of the worst defences of the monarchy I’ve read on here !!

I've given it a fair bit of thought - and I stand by it. The Govt must be elected because it has power. The only reason to remove the monarchy would be if they tried to use the power they "theoretically" have.
And who wants the President to open a cats' home in the Shires?

They do have political clout whatever is written about their 'ceremonial only' duties. Isn't the Privy Council used by the PM to sign off decisions by the monarch that would otherwise have to go before other ministers, among many, many other things? We do have two political arms - one is overtly political while the other is via-the-back-door political.

Having said that, a large part of Britishness is not having a written constitution, which gives the royals a chance to make it up as they go along, thus maintaining power while offering up a procession of colourful characters that are globally entertaining while they squirrel away the riches Given that an elected Head of State would do exactly the same, do we really need to replace one with the other? On the other hand, if they trough too visibly, people don’t like it. I am watching to see what they do next and how they reinvent themselves in this age of social media.

I think they're a complete irrelevance and they only exist because nobody can be arsed with the huge constitutionally upheaval to remove them.

The quuen might be a lovely person and dedicated to duty/shining example of class and manners etc.. But all she's done in the past 70 years is preside over a diminishing empire and has done nothing of note to actually improve people's lives. She's sat on the sidelines in silence (which the job demands) whilst events have gone on around her.

They'll probably limp on for a few more generations. Change is coming.

Badger you say you’ve given it a bit of thought and we’ll done for doing that . I’m being sincere here - most people don’t give it ANY thought .
Now give it more thought . Start here :

www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2021/feb/07/revealed-queen-lobbied-for-change-in-law-to-hide-her-private-wealth

Putting aside any particular current RF members, I think the concept of separation of powers is good in any democratic society. The British monarch rarely uses their power, but they still maintain an important influence and I believe can veto things if it all really goes tits up!
I don't think the democratic vote ever delivers the best leaders - look at Trump, Johnson etc. Power invested in a single president or prime minister is inherently dangerous e.g. see Putin.

The role that the Queen and RF play as Head of State takes away a lot of work that would otherwise need to be covered by Government - hosting of important visitors, entertaining dignitaries etc. Relationships are maintained, ways are paved for government to later follow up on. They are also de facto celebrities who play a role in promoting Britain and all things British (Kate & fashion, events etc).

I think people recognise this and are happy to support the royal family members who understand their role in this and get on with it as a proper job. The Queen has exemplified this over the last 70 years.
It's when the free-loading, loose-living royals come along that it becomes problematic. Charles clearly recognises this and this is why he has a stated aim of slimming down the list of working royals.

The last few days show that there are many many people who still support the Royal Family - probably a majority in the country. There's an age divide though - young people are often caught up in the socialist "it's so unfair, undemocratic" side of the argument, whereas older people enjoy the history, tradition and continuity side of it all. Strangely, I think people begin to understand and appreciate the RF role as they get older (it's a bit like joining the National Trust!). Or perhaps they're just jaded by how many terrible elected leaders they've seen over the years!

I don't LOVE the Royal Family, but I understand and appreciate the value of their role when it's done well. Nobody has ever truly explained what they think a better alternative is!

Wasn’t it Rosa Luxembourg who said she’d rather have an expensive republic than a cheap monarchy?
Not that a president would cost a fraction of what the royals cost !

Its the principle Wonderwine .

And that’s a lot of waffle re ‘doing work otherwise done by government’ .
Utter rubbish about the power of a president . They need have no power ! Look at the Irish president .

Tradition, history etc . Also nonsense . The history remains - getting rid of their monarchy hasn’t stopped France being a popular tourist spot .

The uk monarchy now looks ridiculous in the light of day . All those unearned ribbons and medals ! The costumes look Rutitanian!

Novella4 · Today 09:06
Badger - this so one of the worst defences of the monarchy I’ve read on here !!
www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2021/feb/07/revealed-queen-lobbied-for-change-in-law-to-hide-her-private-wealth

Thank you. I have two sons who read The Guardian, and I've already had that bit from them!
I know the Queen is extremely rich, and would be even if the Office was abolished. Don't The Crown Estates own much of central London? Would we confiscate that?

Love is a strong word but I like having the RF as they're a symbol of continuity and stability in a changing world, also a link with our long history.

One question Wonderwine - you mention it being a good thing that there is a separation of powers .
Could you point to the times when the queen has used her power for the good of the general public ?

The guardian link illustrates how she has tried to use the powers you mention to save herself paying tax or following the same green laws the rest of us are subject to.

Yes . Confiscate all of it !
Why not ??

Its the principle Wonderwine
I don't have a problem with the principle, any more than I have a problem with Ed Sheeran being paid £millions more than Bob down my local pub who sings & plays equally well, if not better.

And that’s a lot of waffle re ‘doing work otherwise done by government’ .
Utter rubbish about the power of a president . They need have no power !
And that's your opinion, and you're welcome to it, but I don't share it.

Tradition, history etc . Also nonsense .
Also your opinion. Not shared by me!

The uk monarchy now looks ridiculous in the light of day .
And yet seemingly not an opinion shared by the millions in The Mall, or at street parties/ watching this weekend?

The guardian link illustrates how she has tried to use the powers you mention to save herself paying tax or following the same green laws the rest of us are subject to.

What, so putting herself on a par with virtually every single elected politician you'd like to replace her with then?

It’s very clear that you have no problem with monarchy wonderwine . I think that is the limit of your defence of it .

That’s not your fault - there is no defence for it in this day and age .
Oh for the good old days when the monarchs could do as they please and peasants knew their place !

Ha ha! I LOVE how the republicans get so worked up when others won't agree with them!

There are lots of imperfect systems of government and power in the world and some are better than others. The British monarchy has endured for centuries and in its current form I think it fulfils some useful functions alongside parliament.

Equally it's not your fault if you can't see the value in it!
God Save the Queen!
👑❤🇬🇧

Yes and always fall back on ‘insults’ such as ‘serfdom’ ‘forelock tugging’……. such intelligent debating tactics…..

Hmm . Well I’ve yet to have an answer re my question above .
And ‘ I don’t have a problem with it ‘ was the ‘reasoned’ monarchist argument @ Olderwoman .

I love them because they are part of Britain good/bad/weird history. Their story is our story and their evolution is all about how we have all grown up and changed.

I am one of those people who loves visiting castles and NT properties and reading books about history. I think we are so lucky to have it walking around opening fetes.

also, it makes the UK a lot of money in tourism so I thank them for that

Nobody is obliged to answer your question.
I answered the OP’s question which simply asked why people love the royal family.

Your steadfast opposition to the RF is as strong as my support for them. There’s unlikely to be common ground. Why waste time arguing.
No need for justification - I’m as convinced my POV is as valid as you are it’s not!

God Save the Queen! 😃
👑🇬🇧🎉

They'd still make money even if they didn't exist. The French killed off their RF years ago and they continue to have no problem attracting tourists to their palaces.

The tourist argument is irrelevant

Wonderwine - the emojis you use are making me picture you as one of those loons in union flag hats at the last night of the proms 😂
Im sure you are very sophisticated in real life !

If course they do, that’s why I used them - so you can happily convince yourself that only ‘loons’ support the monarchy.

And for my part I’m quite convinced you must be someone incapable of reading a full book, grubby with unwashed dreadlocks and constantly glueing yourself to things in protest.

Pesky stereotypes, huh?

(God Save the Queen! And the Duke of Lancaster! 👑🇬🇧😍)