The Royal Family? Yes? No?

[Theland]

For many years I considered myself a Republican, but I realise that to a great extent this was driven by my anger at the privilege of the Royals. It is so unfair.
But, it is the institution of hereditary Royalty that is important, not the individual royal family members.
The Queen embodies the values of our nation and has done a wonderful job at promoting us, but the higher calling is her role in maintaining political stability, far better than a republic.
Individual royals have let the side down but in spite of that, I am pleased to have them, warts and all.
So what are your views?

[Bobbisox1]

Yes, I would much rather we had them than be a republic

[douglas9401]

It's all very odd.

[dannyk13]

Yes, they also contribute a lot to our econony from tourism.

[ummmm]

Yes. The minor royals are no longer being supported I believe.

Our Royal family are the most famous in the world.

[emmie]

rather have them than a republic any day of the week...

[diddlydo]

I'm all for our royal family.

[LadyCG]

I'd hate to lose our Royal Family. The Queen is an amazing woman, admired the world over. A greater Ambassador for our Country we could not ask for.

[ynnafymmi]

The royal family are always welcome up here in Scotland.An independent republic of Scotland with Wee Burney lording over us would make me(and a lot more of us)sick.

[Atheist]

I am inclined to the view that I would rather be a citizen than a subject of the Queen. I find it rather odd that we should have a family of huge inherited wealth and privilege, who got into their position without having to work for it. Also, the Royal houses of Europe were always one big family, intermarrying, intriguing and swapping countries as and when it was in their interests.
Having said all that, I know they are loved by many people and that they bring tourism.

[Theland]

Republics must spend a lot on their presidents too.

[Bobbisox1]

your'e saying a 94 yr old lady hasn't worked for over 60 + years Atheist?

[dannyk13]

I think most of the Royal family work a lot harder than they are given credit for.

[ummmm]

And none of them served in the armed forces. William is a rescue pilot, Harry served proper tours, fighting side by side as an equal.

[Atheist]

Bobbi, I said that they got into their position without having to work for it. The Queen could have then held her position without doing any work in her daily life, but she chose to carry out an active role. I still think that most people would rather have her workload and rewards than those of a coal miner for example.

[Bobbisox1]

and tyhat can't be changed Atheist and I wouldn't want it to bethe Princess Royal is another hard worker, I would hate their jobs with a passion

[dannyk13]

Atheist, where will you find a coalminer in the UK?

[SparklyKid]

I like our Royal Family, apart from ginge and whinge.

Princess Anne is a great example of their dedication to public service, I think so anyway.

Not so keen on their german heritage and nazi supporters.

[Atheist]

I said coal miner, for example. The Queen has no financial worries, she doesn't have to damage her body with hard physical labour, she can/could have chosen to retire from her active life, she will always have the best medical care, she has no worries about housing (apart from which building to choose from), and she is probably loved by the majority of the population. Compare that with a zero-hours worker, someone who cannot find work because of the run-down of industries and the use of foreign workers (in their own countries) to provide cheap labour so as to keep the price of goods down, people who have long waits for physical or mental health care, people who have no NHS dentist withn reach.

[Bobbisox1]

Atheist, the largest number of tourists to see Buck House etc, are Americans, they would love to have Royalty

[Atheist]

I don't think I disagree with any of the views here pointing out the advantages.