The Monarchy?

Question

How do you feel about the Monarchy? Do you think we should still have it? Do you think the Queen plays more of a role in politics than the government says? If we got rid of the monarchy what would you like to see happen to the money they drain from the UK each year? In a changing world what purpose do they serve?

Answer 1

It's an old established institution the British Monarchy. As are all European aristrocratic houses. Most of these Kings and Queen's somewhat flourish next to the new democracy or socialistic society which have been established by the people.

However, the flair of the Monarchy as such is changing. The old Mideval history of king houses and aristrocracy has trastically changed the outlook of what a Modern Prince, King, Queen or Princes of Consort will look like. If we can do away with them not sure? If the last one of the family members dies and no more off springs will be produced, and the kings/queen's family dies out, that's probably when Monarchy will stop completly.

Answer 2

Better than East Enders and probally cheaper as wekk when you think how much the licence cost's us.

Answer 3

You have to balance this discussio with at least two things.   The monarchy brings enormous prestige and wealth INTO this country.   Even tho other countries may not have a lot of time for our political parties - whichever they are - there is a lot of respect for the 1000+ years of the monarchy.   The other thing is that the Monarcy would have to be replaced with something - a Presidency with the inherent dangers of Bush or Putin and the fear of corruption.   I'll stick with the Monarchy - with certain reservations about Prince Charles

Answer 4

Why should we get rid of them so as those greedy MPS can get their hands on the extra money?

Answer 5

On the contrary, the monarchy does not drain money from the country, they put a vast amount of money into the country every year.

The Queen contributes millions of pounds to the treasury every year in proceeds from the Royal Estates (rents, investments, etc). She receives a relatively small amount back for the Civil List, which pays the expenses for her and the Duke of Edinburgh. She also reimburses the allowances which Parliament makes to the Royal Family. Travelling expenses are included in the Civil List. On top of this, she and the rest of the Royal Family pay very hefty taxes. So the Royal Family is actually quite profitable for the country, not even including the amount they bring in for tourism.

The Queen personally owns Balmoral and Sandringham House, her two private estates. The palaces, Windsor Castle, etc, are state property. On paper, the Queen is immensely rich, but most of this is in things like jewellry, art collections, stamp collections and other things which are valuable, but put no money in her pocket. Many of these are held in trust for the nation.

A political head of state would cost every bit as much, if not more. And then you would be paying pensions to ex-presidents and their ilk, while there would not be the extra revenue from the Royal Estates. Much cheaper to keep things the way they are.

Answer 6

im not sure what they really do but i dont mind them and id like them to stay

Answer 7

I was a member of her Majesty’s armed forces and swore allegiance to queen and then country, would anyone really be willing to die for their Prime Minister? Would we have the Gordon’s own Highlanders, or Blair’s Loyal Fusiliers? The Monarchy have a symbolic role and the royal charter given to certain institutions is hundreds of years old what would we replace it with? Glad to see so many Monarchists here. God bless the Queen :-)

Answer 8

Do not run away with the idea that a republic would save you or enyone else any money

Answer 9

If you have not already noticed, my dear friend, "The Royal Monarchy" has changed from wealthy to lost in space and just plain wealthy with a touch of bitterness added to their daily affairs. In other words, they will be the last humans to know true paradise.

Answer 10

oh get rid of that's what i say, there is no need for them in this day and age, why should they be up where they are and have all that they have, get rid i say. OUT OUT OUT.

Answer 11

I can't understand, as an American, why the people would want to lose the monarchy.  As stated above, they are NOT expensive and no doubt draw tourists by the millions who would not go at all to England if it weren't for the traditions and history of the monarchy.  It's your history, they don't do anything to harm you, they bring a touch of class to your nation, and garner respect around the world.  I think some people just get a hold of this radical egalitarianism, and they just don't like the fact that a family is somehow seen as "better" than they are anyone else is.

Answer 12

I would rather have the Queen as our head of state than any Prime Minister. I think that royalty just play a ceremonial role in Government these days.  The Royal Family and traditions etc like Trooping the Colour bring in a lot of money and therefore I think that the Royal family are value for money.

Answer 13

Keep the Queen,get rid of the Politicians.

Answer 14

I don't mind what they do with my 63p

Answer 15

yes,it would not be the same without the royalty.

Answer 16

I think that the monarchy is a wonderful symbol of this country's unity. At times of crisis people look to them as figureheads.

I have never been a huge fan of the monarchy. But I do think that they serve a purpose. As for the question of money. More money gets wasted on MP's wages every year than on the Queen.

I think that if anything the Queen should have more of an input into affairs of state.  If we ever did lose our monarchy, the money would be best spent on public services. But then again, I don't think we'd see much of it.

Can you tell I'm slightly biased against the way our government is heading?! :)

Answer 17

The monarchy is a wonderful institution of tradition, I would hate to see our country without the monarch