Warning. This is a rant. If you’re here for the prog-rock reviews, move along, there’s nothing to see.
I never thought I’d start thinking like a republican (in the British sense, not the American or Irish sense!), but I wish the royal couple would just elope to Greta Green, and save the rest of us some hassle!
When Princess Diana died vast swathes of the country wore their emotional incontinence on their sleeves, indulging in recreational grief over someone they never met. It left the other half of the country wondering if they were last sane person left in Britain. The way I felt browbeaten into compulsory mass weeping left me profoundly alienated, at least until I realised many others felt the same way. It did make me realise that the monarchy no longer represents the whole nation any more in any meaningful way.
The only people who care about the royal family now are tabloid-readers who see them as the ultimate reality TV soap opera, and a few old-school high Tories. And since I’m neither of those things, I’m beginning to object to being asked to pay for it all as a taxpayer, especially in these times of austerity and spending cuts.
But there’s a simple solution. If the royal’s fans are those who worship at the altar of celebrity, let the High Priest of celebrity culture pay for the bloody thing. I’m sure Simon Cowell can afford it
What’s really weird is how many Americans were obsessed with Princess Diana.
I think you underestimate the level of interest. Many of my female friends were genuinely excited by the whole thing yesterday (none of them are ‘tabloid-readers’.)
Bored the arse off me.
Yes, and I’m surprised (and somewhat disappointed, to be honest) at how many musicians I respect watch X-Factor too.
We’ll gladly trade Sarah Palin - in fact, the entire Palin family - for the royals. Take Sarah — please!
and in place of the royal family you would have a president like President Blair and his money making .. have a big look around before you start thinking republic .. and yes the Royal Family do a hell of alot more than many an ex-prime Minister (or president) !
@Mike from Alaska:
We don’t want Sarah Palin either - Can’t we make her dictator of Sarahcantfinditonthemapistan or somewhere?
@Chriz:
“Every bloody emperor, with his hand up History’s skirt”.
Anyway, I propose a royal wedding for the cost of two Virgin Trains Super Advance tickets to Carlisle, and two tickets for the No 157 bus to Gretna. The taxpayer’s budget might just stretch to that….