Europeans: Do royal people matter?

Question

As an American, its not part of my history. But why do people care about the royal people in Europe? Why aren't you just glad kings and queens don't rule you? They don't deserve their wealths. They live off your taxes. Ignore them and maybe they'll go away.

Answer 1

The British (to use an example) treat the Royal Family like celebrities and heads of state because of the history or their country.

Same reason why, (dispite politics) people refer to the President of the United States as Mr. President.  (don't get upset ladies - so far, that has been absolute truth - the future may change that)

Personally, I respect the Office of the President a great deal - hence Mr. President.  However, my calling the President Mr. President doesn't mean or imply in any way that I respect the current person holding that office.

I say Mr. President to the office itself.  To the person, depending on who they are, I might rather call them (hey a*****e or perhaps worthless ruiner of what was once good - whatever)

The problem is that people confuse respect for the position with respect for the individual - that is hardly a fair assumption given how American government is structured but is still a very easy leap to make if you are lazy and like quick solutions which don't involve engaging the brain.

Same thing with Royalty - its an aspect of national identity.  Regardless who holds the position, the position itself is a founding part of who the British as a people, a society, a culture are.

Answer 2

Why treat Paris Hilton and Lindsey Lohan like royalty?

Answer 3

Sorry mate but you have it wrong! the Royals don't rule us. The are celebrities, bit like your Paris Hilton, does she rule you?

They don't, contrary to popular belief, live off our taxes.

They do make us Sh*t loads of Dollars from Yanks who want to see them though!  

All in all a good tourist attraction and we like our History because we have some.