HRH Prince Philip

[towny44]

After the bunfight that was Bidens inauguration this was just magnificent. We certainly do know how to do ceremony and this was no exception. Makes you proud to be British.

I am more convinced than ever, that a constitutional monarchy is a far superior system to a republic.

I agree Frank, especially one as well managed as ours. I know many people consider them an expensive anachronistic luxury, but they undoubtedly attract a large number of foreign tourists, in normal circumstances, as well as helping to maintain the high profile of the UK worldwide.

[Frank Manning]

It would be nice to see more of Princess Anne

I believe that Princess Anne does more royal engagements than any other member of the royal family - just doesn't get the publicity

I think I read just today in The Times, that Sophie Wessex does the most.

[Frank Manning]

After the bunfight that was Bidens inauguration this was just magnificent. We certainly do know how to do ceremony and this was no exception. Makes you proud to be British.

I am more convinced than ever, that a constitutional monarchy is a far superior system to a republic.

I agree Frank, especially one as well managed as ours. I know many people consider them an expensive anachronistic luxury, but they undoubtedly attract a large number of foreign tourists, in normal circumstances, as well as helping to maintain the high profile of the UK worldwide.

Seeing the political fiascos of many presidential elections, and the subsequent abuse of power, Our ceremonial head of state is a beacon of real parliamentary democracy. Westminster has its faults, and some of our MPs are obviously a few bricks short of a hod, but there are checks and balances. The fly in the ointment is the power of the press barons to influence thought, by sensationalism akin to propaganda.

[Mervyn and Trish]

After the bunfight that was Bidens inauguration this was just magnificent. We certainly do know how to do ceremony and this was no exception. Makes you proud to be British.

I am more convinced than ever, that a constitutional monarchy is a far superior system to a republic.

I agree Frank, especially one as well managed as ours. I know many people consider them an expensive anachronistic luxury, but they undoubtedly attract a large number of foreign tourists, in normal circumstances, as well as helping to maintain the high profile of the UK worldwide.

I actually don't think they cost us much at all. Much of the expense goes on maintaining historic buildings such as Buck House, which is frequently used for official functions and would still be there even if the monarchy wasn't. Another chunk goes on providing employment for a lot of people. And overall what it costs is more than than returned in tourism income and the goodwill of overseas visits.

I only have one word for those who advocate an elected head of state. Trump

[Quizzical Bob]

I am more convinced than ever, that a constitutional monarchy is a far superior system to a republic.

I agree Frank, especially one as well managed as ours. I know many people consider them an expensive anachronistic luxury, but they undoubtedly attract a large number of foreign tourists, in normal circumstances, as well as helping to maintain the high profile of the UK worldwide.

I actually don't think they cost us much at all. Much of the expense goes on maintaining historic buildings such as Buck House, which is frequently used for official functions and would still be there even if the monarchy wasn't. Another chunk goes on providing employment for a lot of people. And overall what it costs is more than than returned in tourism income and the goodwill of overseas visits.

I only have one word for those who advocate an elected head of state. Trump

I agree with you completely Merv. In financial costs alone a monarchy is cheaper than a presidency. The costs of holding presidential elections is significantly higher than paying for the monarchy.

I do think there are too many minor royals and hangers-on who might benefit from a culling.

[CaroleF]

I came across the speech made by the Queen when she was Princess Elizabeth on the occasion of her 21st birthday when she was with her parents in South Africa. She said: " I declare before you all that my whole life, whether it be long or short, shall be devoted to your service and the service of our great Imperial family to which we all belong." This was broadcast world-wide in April 1947. No way will she abdicate.

Carole

[towny44]

I agree Frank, especially one as well managed as ours. I know many people consider them an expensive anachronistic luxury, but they undoubtedly attract a large number of foreign tourists, in normal circumstances, as well as helping to maintain the high profile of the UK worldwide.

I actually don't think they cost us much at all. Much of the expense goes on maintaining historic buildings such as Buck House, which is frequently used for official functions and would still be there even if the monarchy wasn't. Another chunk goes on providing employment for a lot of people. And overall what it costs is more than than returned in tourism income and the goodwill of overseas visits.

I only have one word for those who advocate an elected head of state. Trump

I agree with you completely Merv. In financial costs alone a monarchy is cheaper than a presidency. The costs of holding presidential elections is significantly higher than paying for the monarchy.

I do think there are too many minor royals and hangers-on who might benefit from a culling.

You're not proposing euthanasia for them, are you Bob?

[Quizzical Bob]

I actually don't think they cost us much at all. Much of the expense goes on maintaining historic buildings such as Buck House, which is frequently used for official functions and would still be there even if the monarchy wasn't. Another chunk goes on providing employment for a lot of people. And overall what it costs is more than than returned in tourism income and the goodwill of overseas visits.

I only have one word for those who advocate an elected head of state. Trump

I agree with you completely Merv. In financial costs alone a monarchy is cheaper than a presidency. The costs of holding presidential elections is significantly higher than paying for the monarchy.

I do think there are too many minor royals and hangers-on who might benefit from a culling.

You're not proposing euthanasia for them, are you Bob?

Euthanasia’s too good for ‘em. They could always renounce their privileges and join the hoi polloi.

[towny44]

I agree with you completely Merv. In financial costs alone a monarchy is cheaper than a presidency. The costs of holding presidential elections is significantly higher than paying for the monarchy.

I do think there are too many minor royals and hangers-on who might benefit from a culling.

You're not proposing euthanasia for them, are you Bob?

Euthanasia’s too good for ‘em. They could always renounce their privileges and join the hoi polloi.

I tried googling to find which minor royals get money from the state and other than the Queen and Prince Philip no one else seems to benefit, and even the sovereign grant of about £86m comes from profits from the royal estate, so no direct cost to the taxpayer, even if HM uses some of this grant to house some minor royals. Prince Charles and the Duchess of Cornwall, and the Cambridges are funded from the Duchies of Cornwall and Lancaster, and since Charlie pays taxes on those profits, those are not a cost to the taxpayer. Of course google could be lying.

[oldbluefox]

Moving poem on Facebook this morning:

Seated.
Do not look at me with sorrow,
Simply because I sit alone.
It is a choice I chose to make
To compose the shivers from my bone.

Do not look at this with pity,
As it was what I chose to do.
It was Philips place to be,
I wanted to show that to all of you.

My world of love is shattered,
And my heart is broke in two
But as the peoples Queen,
I still have a job to do.

I want to thank you for your kind words.
As I laid my husband to rest
I had 73 wonderful years,
Being married to the best.

So do not look at me with sorrow,
For a choice that I did make.
I chose to sit alone.
For my countries sake.

The seat beside me was my husband's,
It was not an empty space.
His presence sat beside me,
You just couldn't see his face.

[Manoverboard]

We watched the ' highlights ' last night, we thought that it was a lovely celebration of his life.

[Mervyn and Trish]

I agree with you completely Merv. In financial costs alone a monarchy is cheaper than a presidency. The costs of holding presidential elections is significantly higher than paying for the monarchy.

I do think there are too many minor royals and hangers-on who might benefit from a culling.

You're not proposing euthanasia for them, are you Bob?

Euthanasia’s too good for ‘em. They could always renounce their privileges and join the hoi polloi.

It'll save a few bob when the US jail Randy Andy!

[oldbluefox]

Can't believe he had the audacity to request he wore an Admiral's uniform!!!
I think the best advice for him is to lay low.

[Onelife]

You're not proposing euthanasia for them, are you Bob?

Euthanasia’s too good for ‘em. They could always renounce their privileges and join the hoi polloi.

It'll save a few bob when the US jail Randy Andy!

And I trust Mommy will pay whatever it takes to keep him out of it.

[Stephen]

He’s got about as much chance of going to jail as the pope.

[Manoverboard]

The Pope is too old to be sent to jail ... just saying

[Ray B]

You do have a better chance of an audience with the Pope than seeing a doctor.

[david63]

Must be a day of mixed emotions for the Queen being the first birthday that she has not had Philip around for 70+ years.

[screwy]

The Pope is too old to be sent to jail ... just saying

No he’s not.! Trust me.