Prince Philip 1921-2021

[Frances_iom]

I don't remember that at all. I had left home by that time, mind, and had no TV, until 1983

and R3 is worried about not attracting the young!

[Serial_Apologist]

and R3 is worried about not attracting the young!

Ha!

[french frank]

Or do you mean, "someone by birth, giving the country no say in the matter?"

All too often, when the country (or voters in whatever election) 'has its say', it ends up choosing someone who's a celebrity, a character or a buffoon. Or Boaty Mcboatface. Which, if you like, is the meaning of people 'getting the government they deserve'. If vox populi really is paramount, so be it. But to get back to the point I mentioned earlier: are we looking for a ceremonial head of state? Should 'the country' have its say on whether it wants the monarchy to continue? Opinion polls since 1993 have all found a majority supporting the continuation of the monarchy - a very large majority favouring it over a republic.

[vinteuil]

.

... if we are to have a ceremonial head of state I don't really mind it being a hereditable monarchy - as far as we the proles are concerned. It demonstrates clearly the absurdity of it all.

But I think it's an awful fate to inflict on an individual, so for me the concern rather is that it is a 'cruel and unusual punishment' for the incumbent. Fortunately from the Hanoverians up to now none of the family seem to have been particularly bright, so perhaps they don't suffer too much. But to be an intelligent being, forced to live a life-sentence of such meaningless mumbo-jumbo...

.

[vinteuil]

Should 'the country' have its say on whether it wants the monarchy to continue? Opinion polls since 1993 have all found a majority supporting the continuation of the monarchy - a very large majority favouring it over a republic.

... looking at the graph supplied, it might seem that the current trend wd lead to republicanism trumping monarchism within the next couple of decades. Time for people to think what option is likely to be the least worst...

.

[french frank]

... looking at the graph supplied, it might seem that the current trend wd lead to republicanism trumping monarchism within the next couple of decades. Time for people to think what option is likely to be the least worst...

.

Ironicaly, all the countries of Europe that are widely considered the most 'democratic' are still monarchies: Norway, Sweden, Finland, Denmark, along with Belgium, the Netherlands, Spain. I would predict that the pendulum will swing back towards monarchy in this country once William has succeeded, and that there will be a further 'modernisation'. But I agree with you: it's not an enviable job, all privilege. I ∂on't know how many royal 'hangers on' there are at the moment, but I don't think there are that many being a drain on the public purse.

[vinteuil]

Ironicaly, all the countries of Europe that are widely considered the most 'democratic' are still monarchies: Norway, Sweden, Finland, Denmark, along with Belgium, the Netherlands, Spain..

... Finland?



Isn't there a Karen Blixen story about such a thing??

EDIT - no, it was Carson McCullers - Madame Zilensky and the King of Finland

https://pseudointellectualreviews.wordpress.com/2013/01/19/saturday-shorts-presents-madame-zilensky-and-the-king-of-finland/

Though I see there was a King of Finland - from 9 October 1918 to 14 December 1918 -

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kingdom_of_Finland_(1918)

And also perhaps, even more ephemerally, in 1742

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kingdom_of_Finland_(1742)

.


.

.

[eighthobstruction]

Ironicaly, all the countries of Europe that are widely considered the most 'democratic' are still monarchies: Norway, Sweden, Finland, Denmark, along with Belgium, the Netherlands, Spain. I would predict that the pendulum will swing back towards monarchy in this country once William has succeeded, and that there will be a further 'modernisation'. But I agree with you: it's not an enviable job, all privilege. I ∂on't know how many royal 'hangers on' there are at the moment, but I don't think there are that many being a drain on the public purse.

....of course we come up against....tourism money - pagentry - ladies in waitin - gold braid -House Hold Cavalry - golden horse drawn coaches etc etc versus Rolls-Royce grey suit/ twin piece suit....the opulence is obscene etc etc....something more in tune with the poplace please....

,,,,and so as to answer your earlier question....yes ceremonial head of state....in Ireland Michael D Higgins seems to do a good job (and while he was a politician , he was also an academic of Social Sciences....and he is allowed to campaign/ call for enlightenment on social matters)....

[Pulcinella]

Ironicaly, all the countries of Europe that are widely considered the most 'democratic' are still monarchies: Norway, Sweden, Finland, Denmark, along with Belgium, the Netherlands, Spain. I would predict that the pendulum will swing back towards monarchy in this country once William has succeeded, and that there will be a further 'modernisation'. But I agree with you: it's not an enviable job, all privilege. I ∂on't know how many royal 'hangers on' there are at the moment, but I don't think there are that many being a drain on the public purse.

Is this delta a nod in the direction of Greece?

I don't think we've any hangers-on there, have we?

[cloughie]

Is this delta a nod in the direction of Greece?

I don't think we've any hangers-on there, have we?

Best ask Anton?

[LMcD]

But would he get everything done in Just a Minute?...

If he had his fellow bargee Sheila Hancock to help him avoid repetition and hesitation, yes!

[LMcD]

Best ask Anton?

Bruckner or du Beke?

[french frank]

... Finland?

Didn't read enough of the article

Norway and Sweden, anyway.

Pulcie - ask me now and I'd have no idea how to produce a delta!

[Bryn]

I don't remember that at all. I had left home by that time, mind, and had no TV, until 1983

I read the play, long before the film was made.

[cloughie]

Bruckner or du Beke?

You struck gould there! (The 2021 version)