The Queen’s Diamond Jubilee proved to be a resounding success. For anyone near the river on Sunday, great roads such as the Strand and Whitehall became impassable for traffic and people from across the UK and indeed the world enjoyed the celebrations. Tributes poured in, most notably from the president of the United States, and the streets were lined with an excited flag-waving public wherever The Queen went.
Unfortunately, a small minority of people (the 10 per cent who would prefer a republic according to a Guardian poll) were out to complain, almost for the sake of it. Now don’t get me wrong, I admire their courage, and I certainly think they should be allowed to voice their views. However, I have to question if it is really worth it. I understand the point about equality, but I have to wonder if the monarchy is where the attention should lie.
There are a number of considerations to be taken into account, some more obvious than others. The Queen is an international figure that even those in republics would jump at the chance to meet. Ask yourself, would they do the same for any of our politicians? Her popularity is at a record high, and the majority of people would see the monarchy continue (in contrast to the popularity of party leaders, the difference is huge).
Popularity aside, how about practical considerations? Let’s consider the cost of removing her to the nation. HM Government, HM Treasury, HMRC and other departments would need new names and designs, letterheads and stationery. The coins and notes we use would all need to be recalled. The armed forces would need serious administration to change all the names, ranks and badges associated with the Crown. The famous Regiments of Foot Guards with their bearskin caps would cease with no sovereign to guard. Royal Mail postboxes would need to be removed. The list goes on.
The Crown Estate generated £230m for the Treasury coffers last year, with the family receiving a £7.9m civil list payment back according to a LabourList article. If true, the ‘they cost too much’ argument falls down. An elected head of state would not provide the Treasury with £230m, and it has unfortunately been proven that election does not equal acceptable spending by some members of parliament.
One thing I noticed was a real coming-together of different ages, races and backgrounds to celebrate, despite the weather, in a great example of British spirit and sharing. The best thing though, was the Union Jack, on this historical occasion, was reclaimed from the far right and is now usable by all in celebration.
Now I know that I will be called a conservative for writing this article, but let me ask you this: why has it never been party policy to abolish the monarchy? Why is it so popular regardless of age or political persuasion? It is, at the moment, much more dangerous for the left to be seen as anti monarchy when there are those on the right who are as well. If we take on that mantle, it will never wash with the public, and we would be condemned in every public house in the land. Now go to the supermarket and take advantage of the reduced strawberries and jubilee mini-rolls – they are pretty good!
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Read also: Fiona Twycross AM: the jubilee was harmless fun (and other myths)
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This piece is fully of sloppy conflation. We might love our country, feel proud of our history, heritage and democratic tradition without feeling any regard for the Royal family. They became the focus of celebrity culture, the same as Jordan and Jade, for who they are, for their position in the public eye, not what they have accomplished for all of us. We are the party of the many, not the few. The Royal family represent extreme privilege and remoteness from the real hopelessness experienced by many jobless people, especially young people. The continuation of the Royal family encourages the looking up to wealthy and powerful and “knowing our place” as epitomised by the famous Cleese, Barker and Corbett sketch. We are excessively respectful in the UK: we should demand more. We would be a more equal country if we were a republic. Rather than address the tricky means of achieving democratic change – and it would be tricky – we should start by considering what is right.
Will someone please think about the rebranding and stationery costs!!!!!!
One welcome feature of the the recent festivities is that ‘one’ hears working class voices on the media, behaving well, respectful of others, enjoying their day out on the Mall or at a street party sharing what they have with others around them. This is in stark contrast to the usual media output that depicts working class people ripping each other off on the Jeremy Kyle show, or allegedly burning alive their children or rioting. The task for the Labour party is to create a cultural space where we can be proud of our nation state where people can feel a similar affection for its institutions as many seem to have for the Royals. Only the NHS seems to come close in that regard. Another feature worth respecting of the Jubilee is the total lack of corporate sponsorship of all the weekends events – if only the Olympics could be the same.
I am not a Republican at all and in accordance with my role as a Councillor primarily to be seen–I helped out with the Setting up of The Street Party in Morecambe on Sunday in wet weather. It was a good day despite the appaling weather. I think the Jubilee gave people the opprtunity to celebrate and respect our diversity and the progress that has been made over sixty years. We have seen greater opprtunity and equality over those sixty years. The Queen came to the thorone in a time of oppresion and lack of human rights. For example gay people were sen to prision and you were disabled or from another ethnic background–a major failing on the part of The Attlee Government. My Concern about the Royal Family is the fact that we are keeping the extended family as well as individuals who are forunate to pass the test to be able to marry into the Royal Household. This is an area that need to be assessed in accordance with value for money. It is an insult to the hundreds and thousands of people who are having their Disability benefit cut when we see the lavish lifestyle being enjoyed by Prince William and the forunate women who passed the test to be able to join the Royal Family. I hope those members of Progress will therefore realise why people get angry. Like I say let us evaluate the hangers on.