Does anyone think the British monarchy really serves no purpose?
551186
Yes, all ceremonial heads serve no purpose. They just have titles and money, no real powers or privileges.
466742
It is tradition and also tourism.  Without the royal family, the UK would still have wonderful historic sites, but everyone who goes there lines up to see the changing of the guard.  Tradition is important to any national identity so having a royal family isn't as bad as some traditions in some countries, plus she is actually a really nice person.  You should watch the documentary where Rolf Harris paints her portrait - it really introduces a Queen that you can love as such a wonderful, humble human being who doesn't really wear all that much jewelry when she can help it and who is very involved with her family.  Also, name one member of the royal family who hasn't been to countless boring dinners and functions so that they can raise money for world wide charities.  I believe some of them give a lot of their personal income to good causes.  \n\nBy the way, I'm all for the republic here in Australia as I feel the Queen should not be our political head of government, but I also believe that she is indeed a grand lady who has done great things at the price of her privacy and comfort, and who deserves respect no matter what her social standing is.
546203
It provides a long term stability and a focus for the people as an assistance to National Identity. It is a good way to govern in circumstances where a public vote would lead to a greater mess. i.e. in times of war or where anarchy is developing. \n\nIt is also good in these circumstances for other governments to deal with a familiar face that they may have trusted 20 years before rather than some passing democrat with an ego!( I just ruined this..lol )\n\nActually a problem that i have noted is that when Monarchy was popular as a way of ruling life expectancy was about 45 so you took the thrown for 20 years say from 25-45 1 generation) the trouble now is life goes on for say 75 years so you rule between 55 and 75 and frankly you are a bit wiser but equally a bit more past it.
1095667
The native Australians think the same thing. The monarchy is a tradition, and a very expensive one at that. I would like to know why that tradition is upheld because they have no power. they are basically useless.
347758
british goverment's, but it's just another lie.
726412
IF THE UK HAD STAYED ON ITS OWN TERRITORY AND NOT ANNEXED THESE AFRICAN COUNTRIES, STEALING THEIR WEALTH AND PUTTING CORRUPT AND VICIOUS GOVERNMENTS IN AFRICAN  TO SURPRISE DECENT WE WOULD NOT BE TRAVELING TO THE UK.WE WOULD HAVE functioning SOCIETIES BASED ON OUR CULTURES.ANY WAY WHAT IS GOOD FOR THE GOOSE IS GOOD FOR THE GANDER.I KNOW YOU ARE PRETENDING NOT TO REMEMBER THE ROLE THE UK PLAYED IN SLAVERY.YOU TOOK OUR MOST PRODUCTIVE MEN AND WOMEN TO HELP BUILD YOUR ECONOMIES.NOW THEIR GREAT GRAND CHILDREN ARE COMING BACK TO TAKE WHAT BELONGS TO THEM
473989
The monarchy has to end. It seems they are only here for tradition and nothing else. Sod off for all I care! Cheers!!
254389
The sole purpose of government is to control populations and gather power with which to further control their populations. In all of history, there has never been a government whose main interest was the benefit of the individual. Therefore, I subscribe to no political theory, because none actually work. I tolerate the government I live under because I, as an individual, have little choice.
511290
Absolutely - I for one have a great deal of pride in our Forces, who always do their professional best, however difficult a situation the politicians put them in. Keep flying the flag for the UK guys (and gals) and make us as proud as you always do.\n\nIf I had my way though I must admit it would be the Chiefs of Staff, or even HM The Queen as head of the Armed Forces (and our real head of State), who decided when action is needed, not the useless politicians who seem to be prone to simply currying favour with overseas heads of state and/or who lack the common sense to interpret intelligence properly, let alone having military experience or interests!
1136117
Freedom !!!!!!!!!  In the form of Democracy.   The British GOVT is OK , Prime Minister Blair really runs things well.  The Queen along with the rest of the Monarchy, is a tribute to the past, the History and what the Country symbolizes, but on a day to day of GOVT activities, Mr. Prime Minister Blair runs with it.
595725
Consitutional monarchies like japan and the UK seem to work.Absolute monarchies, now there`s (in my opinion) a bad idea.
1051559
The Queen gives the benefit of her estate to the government of Britain which is far in excess of the Civil List which is the money she gets each year.\n\nWhilst there are problems with the monarchy such as the Queen managers to get an opt out of most law and therefore her staff are not protected to the same extent as the law provides for other people.  I also understand the wages paid are much lower than that paid to people in similar jobs elsewhere.\n\nBut and it is a big BUT, who or what would you replace the monarchy with.   There is hardly a politician out there who has not been tainted in some way.\n\nLook at the problems created with the American Presidency and Congress that actually prevents and severly delays needed legislation.   The bill to pay Government employees  has been delayed so severely a number of times in recent years that staff have been flown back to the States from American bases and embassies abroad.\n\nIt also seems significant that European countries that retain a monarchy appear much safer, laid back and sensible.\n\nI think there few people of any political persuasion that would fancy Tony Blair as a president or any other parties politicians so where does that leave this question?
286969
They are just exotic enough to be interesting and not so exotic to be off-putting.  \n\nWe don't have anything like royalty in our country.  (The current Kennedys just aren't that glamorous and Hollywood stars come and go)  The trappings of royalty and the nobility fascinate a lot of Americans, probably because we don't have knighthoods and huge fairy tale TV weddings. \n\nBut we don't really pay attention to anybody else's royals either. I think we're comfortable with the English because we share a language and a history with you.  Nobody really wants Queen Elizabeth as a figurehead at the top of our government, but we can't help but feel we have some claim to her too.
745682
I do. The poppy is a visible symbol of empathy for those who gave their lives, either in battle or through injuries, in the conflicts since 1914. 1968 is the only year since the end of WWII that a British Serviceman has NOT died as a result of battle. We are a warrior nation and we should be proud of that in the UK. Men died so she could be free from tyranny today. I make no comment on the history of the House of Windsor, as it became in 1917.
909809
Er . . . in a word . . .no.\n\nWe've moved on.\n\nWhatever stupid Hollywood films like to say about British people none of us actually give a TOSS about the empire or "want it back" - it was gone long before I was born and I have never known an "empire".  \n\nIts a thing of the past.  Leave it in the past where it belongs.\n\n(If this was an attempt to be Anti-British - then I'm sorry to burst your bubble).
1042886
are you english? doesnt matter! i salute you! i can die happy that im not the only one with my eyes open! what does the queen do? her son makes 9 appointments a year which is...opening  a private school..shaking hands with other fat fuckers who take my pay. why is she here? she has never done anything for me or anyone i know. under the name of the queen we enslaved millions way to fucking go you can leave now. again thank you for taking the time to open your eyes and see that they all have an easy life at the cost of the normal working man. God save the queen? nope rather he didnt
190087
No it just makes no sense. The government would not only use it for personal gain but political gain as well!!\nThe Church should be left to those who care about the saving of souls,not the people who just want power.