OT- The Queen's Christmas Day Message to the Commonwealth

[roger_ramjet]

The Queen is not silent. She makes her position which is always to ensure a functioning govt through her PPS. This is far better than herself negotiating with party leaders. The leaders ensure they can command or appear to command confidence.

Of course she can and will reject advise if need be and use her Reserve Powers but that has not arisen thus far.

Anyway quick question(s).

Have any of you not sung the national anthem lately?
When attending events?

Have not sworn allegiance to the Crown when serving?

Quick answers

1. I dont think Ive ever sung it, nor will I. Dreadful depressing dirge.

2. I am not a good tennis player and thus swear otfen when serving, but not sure what this has to do with the royal family.

3. There is no need for the queen to act as invigilator in establishing parliament. It can be done by any appointed civil servant with a few minutes training.

4. But I still think there is a role for the royal family in giving countless millions a warm fuzzy feeling. Royal weddings seem to make previously sensible people go all wobbly with joy. Royal funerals even more so - remember the massive outpourings of cathartic grief when the Queen of Tarts hit the tunnel wall. I dont remember seeing many flowers outside Harrods. Joe public "love 'em" and they dont do any harm, they dont cost much, they attract tourism and promote the country. Lets not let the jealous anti royal hardliners throw out something that gives pleasure to many people

[ramAnag]

Quick answers

1. I dont think Ive ever sung it, nor will I. Dreadful depressing dirge.

2. I am not a good tennis player and thus swear otfen when serving, but not sure what this has to do with the royal family.

3. There is no need for the queen to act as invigilator in establishing parliament. It can be done by any appointed civil servant with a few minutes training.

4. But I still think there is a role for the royal family in giving countless millions a warm fuzzy feeling. Royal weddings seem to make previously sensible people go all wobbly with joy. Royal funerals even more so - remember the massive outpourings of cathartic grief when the Queen of Tarts hit the tunnel wall. I dont remember seeing many flowers outside Harrods. Joe public "love 'em" and they dont do any harm, they dont cost much, they attract tourism and promote the country. Lets not let the jealous anti royal hardliners throw out something that gives pleasure to many people

I never sing the National Anthem (or Steve Bloomer’s Watching come to that) and it’s doubtful I ever will.
Neither have I ‘sworn allegiance’ lately...not since I was in the Cubs actually...I no longer believe in adults who dress oddly and call themselves Akela and Baloo either.
I will concede that the Americans seem to love Royal Weddings etc and say things like...’Ah’ll say one thing about you Brits boy...you sure know how to organaze a good wedding...that Diana or Kate (whoever, although oddly never Ann or Fergie) looked like a real Princess’...but it fails to fill me with pride or offer a justification for continuing with the monarchy.

[Manofpride]

England without a King or Queen would be like Derby without a Ram!