Democracy and Monarchy

[french frank]

I suspect that what has changed is not the protocol but the British people, and that only partially.

https://metro.co.uk/2022/02/06/queens-accession-day-how-king-george-vi-was-mourned-by-the-world-16035071/

"[The new Queen] arrived in a country gripped by sorrow [allegedly], where sporting fixtures had been cancelled, cinemas closed and memorial services were taking place."

[Jazzrook]

https://www.theguardian.com/commenti...e_iOSApp_Other

A rare critical article among the stifling media consensus.
I'm hoping the next issue of 'Private Eye' will do something to cheer me up.

JR

[muzzer]

That’s a good, if depressing, piece by PT, who usually grinds my gears.

[french frank]

That’s a good, if depressing, piece by PT, who usually grinds my gears.

I've been looking back to the nineteenth century, when Leigh Hunt was imprisoned for two years for describing the Prince Regent as 'a fat Adonis of 50'.

There are other things to be indignant, critical andoutraged about now than an event which - for whatever reason - has affected millions of people.

I wish there was similar criticism of the political system, especially the electoral system which actually impacts on the lives and well-being of so many people. That doesn't even seem to be topical when there's a general election looming; and certainly not when manifestos are written.

[Jazzrook]

https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2022/sep/15/king-charles-billionaire-inheritance-tax-heating-eating

JR

[Joseph K]

https://www.theguardian.com/commenti...heating-eating

JR

[smittims]

To be fair, there are others who are unfairly privileged. The matter of the party-going Chancellor's multi-millionaire wife and her income tax (or lack of it) seemed to be brushed under the carpet when he wanted to be Prime Minister.

[Bryn]

A little OT, perhaps. but here's some recommended reading relating to the BBC and the late Elizabeth Windsor's passing:

https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2022/sep/18/the-bbc-axing-my-show-was-in-very-poor-taste?CMP=Share_iOSApp_Other

[smittims]

Good article, Bryn, thanks.

I think he's a bit inaccurate about Queen Victoria. As I recall, legislation to prohibit sex between women was never proposed, the reason being that no-one could face having to explain the the Queen what it was.

[french frank]

A little OT, perhaps. but here's some recommended reading relating to the BBC and the late Elizabeth Windsor's passing:

https://www.theguardian.com/commenti...e_iOSApp_Other

Well, at least he laughed about the whole issue - and it's hard to think he was really annoyed/angry/outraged.

[Padraig]

A little OT, perhaps. but here's some recommended reading relating to the BBC and the late Elizabeth Windsor's passing:

https://www.theguardian.com/commenti...e_iOSApp_Other

Please Bryn! I have not yet got round to the Observer Review. I like to read SL's outrageous meanderings in the comfort of my reading chair. Is it any good this week?

[oddoneout]

Good article, Bryn, thanks.

I think he's a bit inaccurate about Queen Victoria. As I recall, legislation to prohibit sex between women was never proposed, the reason being that no-one could face having to explain the the Queen what it was.

This covers the lack of legislation but not the reason for the omission

https://venerablepuzzle.wordpress.com/2015/09/18/the-curious-case-of-the-queen-victoria-and-the-lesbians/

[muzzer]

I've been looking back to the nineteenth century, when Leigh Hunt was imprisoned for two years for describing the Prince Regent as 'a fat Adonis of 50'.

There are other things to be indignant, critical andoutraged about now than an event which - for whatever reason - has affected millions of people.

I wish there was similar criticism of the political system, especially the electoral system which actually impacts on the lives and well-being of so many people. That doesn't even seem to be topical when there's a general election looming; and certainly not when manifestos are written.

There can surely never have been so much bread and circuses in circulation at once in this country. The monarchy must look at the current government in horror, given where rampant populism usually leads. The Queen knew just what to do to keep the Firm mostly out of the line of fire. You can’t say the same of her son. And her grandson (and wife) are on record as favouring a ‘smaller monarchy’, meaning less work for more or less the same pay and adulation. No wonder they’re leveraging the passing of HMQ for all it’s worth, reinforcing the brand as far as possible. It’s difficult to avoid the sense this country has changed beyond recognition since, oh, 23 June 2016?

[oddoneout]

There can surely never have been so much bread and circuses in circulation at once in this country. The monarchy must look at the current government in horror, given where rampant populism usually leads. The Queen knew just what to do to keep the Firm mostly out of the line of fire. You can’t say the same of her son. And her grandson (and wife) are on record as favouring a ‘smaller monarchy’, meaning less work for more or less the same pay and adulation. No wonder they’re leveraging the passing of HMQ for all it’s worth, reinforcing the brand as far as possible. It’s difficult to avoid the sense this country has changed beyond recognition since, oh, 23 June 2016?

Not since the last time a reigning monarch died? Perhaps the effect is greater this time as being plugged in to blanket coverage via media and devices of all sorts is a way of life for so many.
The comments about a smaller monarchy I thought were about pruning out those deemed eligible for the pay and perks, to end up with a core of immediate family (current thinking seems to be on 7 people - Andrew and Harry not included in the line-up), rather than going through to 3rd cousin removed association and access. So yes, those at the top still getting the same money, but not for less work/fewer duties.

[french frank]

There can surely never have been so much bread and circuses in circulation at once in this country. The monarchy must look at the current government in horror, given where rampant populism usually leads.

As has been pointed out, the media has never played so big a part in people's lives. But I think there's not much difference now compared with previously when people have an emotional attachment to an idea, a symbol of something which meant a great deal to them.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Munich_air_disaster#Memorials

I'm not sure that current displays can be called 'rampant populism'. As a bystander, I find the different reactions interesting - so I welcome the reporting - because nothing like this has happened before in my lifetime. As a bystander, I may have a few years to witness what kind of king Charles turns out to be. I'm not sure that one can prejudge: he'll have his good points and his bad points, I daresay.