Forum Topic

Fed up with Brexit? Something different to ponder 🙂

Reading the recent comments from Prince Harry and his wife Meghan should we draw the conclusion that hereditary monarchies are an unfair burden on royal families? After all, William and Harry never asked to be born into the headlines and given the various antics that have got in the press over the years: Princess Margaret's lifestyle, the late Queen Mother's alleged liking for a drop of gin, Prince Charles's marriages and affair, Prince Philip's unguarded comments, Princess Anne's speeding fines and even Harry's antics when unwinding from military service - they've proved they're not much different from many of their subjects if given the money to indulge themselves; just look at what some overpaid footballers get up to. And if they abdicate because the government doesn't like their choice of marriage partner they're accused of causing a constitutional crisis. At least in a republic the candidates have decided to put themselves forward for the scrutiny and burden of public service. So the question is, are hereditary monarchies an infringement of human rights?

Michael Ixer ● 2578d15 Comments

Given the option of the Queen or President  Boris I know who I'd vote for!

Lucille Grant ● 2578d

Good point, Lucille!

Michael Ixer ● 2578d

We need a decent compromise. How about Queen Boris? We have the technology.

David Ainsworth ● 2578d

David. Wouldn't he have to consent? Unlikely, as he's never shown any inclination for that ...

Michael Ixer ● 2578d

Well, when he was young, he did say that he wanted to be World King when he grew up. I guess that we have to wait and see.

David Ainsworth ● 2578d

Lucille, I agree with you 1000%.

Ivonne Holliday ● 2578d

I watched the ITV doc last night and was very much in two minds.  How much do we know about HOW MUCH they are expected to do by the RF?  Do they sign to do a certain amount?  Are they on the royal list and does that depend on how much they do.It seems that Harry doesn't want to be involved at all with the RF, although if he's being funded then he obviously has to do a certain amount.  I know there is so much online trolling and also rubbish in the press, but why to they need to read it?  I really is rubbish, as is all online trolling, so why get involved?  I really don't understand their motives, they can move out of the public eye as royals and just get on with the work they want to do....so easy

Bunny Payne ● 2578d

"I really don't understand their motives, they can move out of the public eye as royals and just get on with the work they want to do....so easy"Doubt that it would be easy. The hounds of the press would be after them, because they know that we would read whatever drivel they could produce - "WE find Harry and Meghan in their Afghani love-nest. We confront them with the question 'What are you hiding from - the public demands answers!'"It might work with expensive new identities and plastic surgery, even a supportive team of retired SAS personnel, but the public has a "right to know ... "--------------------"You best keep runnin', Clyde Barrow. And you know it."

David Ainsworth ● 2578d

"So the question is, are hereditary monarchies an infringement of human rights?"Yes they are. At both ends of the chain, ruled and ruler. Much as slavery dehumanises both the slave and the slavemaster.

David Ainsworth ● 2578d

David, would you really want an unelected President Boris then or are you advocating a new electoral system and written constitution?

Lucille Grant ● 2577d

"David, would you really want an unelected President Boris then or are you advocating a new electoral system and written constitution?"To be honest, I haven't really thought about possible replacement systems. I assume that there is a pattern-book available from other decent countries. Also I do not believe that this country will let the Royal Family go anytime soon anyway. (Despite the horror of the Pont de l'Alma).

David Ainsworth ● 2577d

How can they be an infringement of human rights?  They don't have any real power, they are figureheads from the past and do a huge amount of good to the UK in terms of tourism and trade.Everything was fine until the press wanted to poke into their private lives, now I would imagine it's a nightmare.  I truly believe they still do a huge amount of good to the nation, but wittering on about how upset they are does no good to anyone.

Bunny Payne ● 2577d

I do not think they are an infringement of human rights at all. I am not surprised that Harry is complaining about the press behaviour.  He has a very sad history behind him and is terrified it will be repeated.  Does it do any good to anyone?  You know, I think so.  Being very open about it will not only trigger memories but will make everybody aware that they are not "meat for the slaughter" as it were - put in a horrifically crude way!

Ivonne Holliday ● 2577d

Ivonne, although I would love it to be that way, I'm afraid I have little respect for large swathes of the press, not to mention the paps.  When they shout out rude and nasty comments, just to get a photo or a look and try to wind people up to upset them, it has gone below and beyond.I guess we just don't know how awful it is, but my advice would be to do the job, keep your heads down and make your public appearances with the paps in tow as few as possible.  No good complaining about it, it just makes for more column inches and they are playing into the hands of the tabloids.

Bunny Payne ● 2576d

I agree Bunny - they could follow the example of the rest of the Royal Family bar Uncle Andrew of course. Kate Middleton and Camilla had horrendous stories printed about both of them in the past. They rose above it but eghan is American and doesn't see it the same way. She han'lt lived here long enough to understand or appreciate the British way of life. Harry looks in a bad place mentally and that should be the biggest concern for his family, but have they learnt the lessons since Diana? I do wonder.

Lucille Grant ● 2576d