The strange paradox of the constitutional monarch

[SouthernBelle]

The strange paradox of the constitutional monarch
For today’s constitutional monarchs know the game is up: In a perfectly reasonable world, they would not exist. If we started from scratch, we would not choose a hereditary selected aristocrat from a randomly selected family as head of state in a modern, rights-based democracy.

It won’t come to an end because people like me don’t like it. Rather, Dr. Roobol notes, it will end because some latter-day royals will realize that their “glamorous but essentially politically empty function is not worth the troubled life in the spotlights of a partly affectionate, partly unctuous and very often cynical public opinion.”

http://www.theglobeandmai...l-monarch/article2437457/

This article was published Sunday in Canada.

[Vava]

Well, as an outsider looking in, I have been puzzled on why the heck the monarchy still exists.  Perhaps someone can enlighten me?

From my perspective, it seems like a link to the archaic past, and not much more.  Sure, history.  That leads to tourist dollars/euros.........  There is this rich family with titles, and there is protocol when you meet them, but are they governing?  It doesn't seem like that to me.  They don't have any political power, do they?  What is in these Red Boxes that the Queen opens every day? 

It's a ritual of fancy garb, horses and carriages, gems, international tours, hosting parties for international political/or royal leaders...........what else?

Thanks in advance for educating me............
xxoo,
Vava

[Lexy]

Well, as an outsider looking in, I have been puzzled on why the heck the monarchy still exists.  Perhaps someone can enlighten me?

From my perspective, it seems like a link to the archaic past, and not much more.  Sure, history.  That leads to tourist dollars/euros.........  There is this rich family with titles, and there is protocol when you meet them, but are they governing?  It doesn't seem like that to me.  They don't have any political power, do they?  What is in these Red Boxes that the Queen opens every day? 

It's a ritual of fancy garb, horses and carriages, gems, international tours, hosting parties for international political/or royal leaders...........what else?

Thanks in advance for educating me............
xxoo,
Vava

I feel like regarding the BRF it's there because of the Queen. I think that's why they're promoting William and Kate so much, get the public excited for what's in the future because the people certainly do not want Charles and Camilla. However, it is inevitable that Charles and is next and without the beloved Queen around, and with two people that the public has made clear they will not forget how much they they hate them *royal wedding greeting of silence anyone?* What happens to the BRF after the Queen passes will be incredibly interesting for sure, right now the Public is OK with the Monarchy BECAUSE of the Queen. She represents an older time and they like that, then there's William he is Diana's son and the public loved her dearly. How Charles is received and how long his rein is will ultimately determine the future of the Monarchy.

Regarding other royal families I feel like you can see the families slowly but surely becoming smaller and smaller as time goes on. Spain's monarchy right now is teetering IMO, if the public can stand Juan Carlos a bit more until Felipe and Letizia then we'll see if we see a Queen Leonor, but I'm not sure right now. However, the British monarchy and the Spanish monarchy I think are two of the larger monarchies/most famous ones in the public if they don't exist these smaller countries will get rid of theirs as well.

[rogue]

it will end because some latter-day royals will realize that their “glamorous but essentially politically empty function is not worth the troubled life in the spotlights of a partly affectionate, partly unctuous and very often cynical public opinion.”

ITA , I don't see people asking for the removal of the monarchy, but i can see William removing the monarchy.Unlike his nan and his father the monarchy isn't a part of him , he sees it as a burden and a cage.