‘Subject’, not Citizen

~ beetleypete

I am reblogging this post from 2012, as hardly anyone has seen it. Be warned that it contains very strong opinions about the British Royal Family. If you are a Royalist, you may want to skip reading it. 🙂

beetleypete

It has long fascinated me that people in other countries are so taken with the British Royal Family. They seem to dwell on the death of Lady Diana Spencer, and fawn embarrassingly, should any of them bother to visit their lands. I exclude Quebec, and some of the Antipodean peoples in this generalisation of course, but I think you know what I mean? It would also appear that the Royals are much-loved in their homeland, from news reports, and public attendance at festivities concerning them, or where they are due to appear.

Recent celebrations for both the Jubilee, and Olympics, have shown them, especially the Queen, to be at a height of popularity, not seen since the War. She even appeared in a promotional film, with the current James Bond, which was shown to open the games. I have to admit, that most people I talk to, believe having a…

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27 thoughts on “‘Subject’, not Citizen”

  2. Since the end of 1918 we have not had an emperor. Nevertheless, there are still stories about “our” aristocrats in the tabloids. It is very popular to read about them. Just like about actors or other celebrities.

    We have a “prince” who always attracts negative attention. He peed on the Turkish Pavilion at the Expo in Germany. And he keeps going crazy and getting violent. Now he is fighting with his son, who is the head of the house, over a castle that has been sold to the state government. The elderly gentleman wants it back.

    An elected government is certainly the better solution, although even then things don’t always run properly and decently.

    But your queen doesn’t “rule” properly, does she? Isn’t it just for representation? However, a very expensive one.

    I wish you a nice Sunday afternoon.
    Best wishes, Irene

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  3. You are right, of course. America is obsessed with British royalty. At least Diana was a wonderful person. I can’t say that for some of the others. It is a fantasy world, and people like to be swept up in fantasy. Sigh! Best to you, Pete.

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  4. So who would you vote for? President Boris Johnson? President David Cameron? President Anthony Blair? President Gordon Brown? President Cressida Dick? Do they represent equality of opportunity?

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    1. Given the option recently, I would have liked to see Jeremy Corbyn as PM. I think the presence of any Aristocracy will continue to perpetuate the class system that I have lived under my whole life. I know it will never go away in my lifetime, David, but I don’t have to like it.
      Best wishes, Pete.

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  5. The truly British kings and queens were the Celtic ones before the Roman Invasion. The Celts had regional kings and queens who were actually elected and if they proved unworthy of the job could be removed and another one elected. After the Roman’s left the monarchs were as you noted, Scandinavian, Saxons, and Germans. I would exclude the Tudors who were of Welsh ancestry, and the Stuarts because they were Scottish, both of which were descended from Celts. So if we are looking at the last monarch who could be classed as “British” that would be Queen Anne ( Reigned 8th March 1702 – 1st May 1707). Whilst I am not a Royalist, I have nothing personally against our current Queen who had always behaved with dignity, which is one of the reasons she is popular. On official functions such as when world leaders and dignitaries visit this island she is respected for the way she conducts herself which is often not the case with presidents. She represents us in a positive way. I think perhaps a reform of the monarchy, a slimming down (which Prince Charles is said to favour) might be the best way forward for the 21st century. Keeping a couple of residences for the current monarch, and the heirs and the rest working for a living. The other residences then being tuned over to the National Trust as museums and the land used for nature reserves.

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    1. Thanks for adding those facts, WN. I have nothing against any of the individuals, just the system of Aristocracy that perpetuates class division in our society that they represent.
      Best wishes, Pete.

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  6. I’ve followed and read about the British Royals for quite sometime and as much as I think it is fascinating to read about them I do believe the reigns of them should’ve ended. People deserves to vote and have a choice as to whom they want to run their country.

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      1. Oh I don’t know, Prince Albert ( consort of Queen Victoria ) was a very hard worker and involved in reforms and the Great Exhibition. In fact his workaholic nature contributed to his early death.

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  8. I agree 100% Pete. Democracy isn’t perfect, but our so-called “constitutional” monarchy is only constitutional to those who say we don’t have a written constitution, so we should just shut up and accept the system we have. Sorry, but it’s undemocratic. I hate to have to say it, but in this country, we are ruled not by the queen and her copious entourage, but by apathy: too many people are prepared to accept the monarchy because it’s just too much trouble to question it and—”Ooh: Strictly‘s on!” The Establishment knows this and openly encourages it. Bread & Circuses, anybody? Cheers, Jon.

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    1. Exactly, Jon. Their pomp and circumstance is mere distraction for the masses. It is no coincidence that when times are hard, there is a Royal wedding, a Royal engagement, or a Royal birth or death.
      Best wishes, Pete.

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  10. I think I am in your camp, Pete. I have always felt that royalty was out-dated. Additionally I don’t respect people for their “title” but for who they actually are and how they conduct themselves.

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    1. My issue is with the whole Aristocratic institution, and the inequality it perpetuates. It is not about individuals, so much as what they represent. And if I had been accused of sexually assaulting an underage woman in America, you can bet the police here would have handed me over for trial on the first plane out.
      Best wishes, Pete.

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