A Royal Question

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Lifestyle

With all of the attention on the other side of the Pond over the birth of George Alexander Louis, aka His Royal Highness Prince George of Cambridge, the new heir to the British throne, I wonder what it would be like to live in a monarchy. My speculation only extends to consideration of a parliamentary monarchy -- where the monarch serves as a figure-head with traditional and historical functions (after all, we can’t ignore the War of Independence). Royalty above politics.

I understand that there is debate in England over whether to continue the monarchy. Which side would I be on?

What would it be like to be a "Subject" and have a King or Queen?

Comments

Rona Gura

I heard the royal palace has no air conditioning. I wouldn't want to be a royal with no air conditioning.

Submitted by Erik_Scheibe on Thu, 07/25/2013 - 01:19

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Erik Scheibe

It would feel very un-American

Submitted by Linda_Newman on Thu, 07/25/2013 - 01:57

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Linda Newman

I'm with Rona, A/C trumps Royals. Too many rules; I am not good at rules. Too much pomp and circumstance. Brought to you by "Queenie"
Fred Klein

My mother was fascinated by the Royals. They have a pretty good deal and I believe Pippa wants in with Harry.

Submitted by NULL (not verified) on Thu, 07/25/2013 - 03:50

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The Royal Family is so dysfunctional, they are so entertaining! But, think of all the public funds expended on the Royals that we could put to good use elsewhere...oh I forgot, our government will just squander that also!

Submitted by Lucas_Meyer on Thu, 07/25/2013 - 04:30

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Lucas Meyer

Having lived in London (school and work), I can attest that it doesn't feel very different from living in a republic. Sure, the Queen and her family are out and about, cutting ribbons, making appearances, etc., but largely that's for the tourists.

What I find fascinating is that the English constitution isn't a document as ours is. Rather, it is derived from English Common Law, precedents and tradition. In addition, the Prime Minister is simply the head of the party which has a majority of votes in the House of Commons-- separation of powers between the legislature and the executive therefore doesn't exist.

So the systems are quite different from each other. But somehow despite the fact that we take different roads, we seem to get to the same place more or less.
Marc Halpert

Being royalty? Bah! That's well beyond my needs. I'd settle for being a Lord and having a footman.

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