June 4, 2012 - Queen Elizabeth

[CaliforniaMama]

This regal portrait is the cover of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II: Diamond Jubilee Souvenir which can be purchased from Historical Royal Palaces.

From the souvenir description: Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II celebrates 60 years as British Sovereign in 2012. With the exception of Queen Victoria, who reigned for 63 years, she is the longest-serving monarch, acknowledged worldwide for the duties she has performed with grace and dignity.

[DanaC]

Yeah. We're in the middle of a 4 day holiday (two days of weekend, followed by two 'Bank Holidays'.

The village is full of flags, and there have been street parties all over the country.

[limey]

Beacons being lit up and down the country as I type ...
More shenanigans tomorrow. I get to play in the brass band at our local street party ...

[CaliforniaMama]

Originally Posted by limey

Beacons being lit up and down the country as I type ...
More shenanigans tomorrow. I get to play in the brass band at our local street party ...

How fun!!

[DanaC]

I generally find myself slightly conflicted about this sort of thing. On the one hand, anything that gets whole communities acting together and celebrating a well-meaning and inclusive brand of patriotism is no bad thing. And as a historian working on 18th and early 19th centuries I feel a strong sense of continuity and connection through events like the Jubilee. A direct line back to a time when that British identity was being forged in a form we would recognise as similar to our own. A time when the royal family was engaging in an incredible marketing and spin project. And a time when national and civic processional display was an intrinsic part of our culture.

On the other hand, at a political and moral level I see no fucking reason whatsoever why I should be 'subject' to a monarch. And yes, it's true, theyhave very little actual power and influence, but they hold a truly important constitutional role: they have the Royal Prerogative. It is that simple fact that means a British prime minister does not have to seek the permission of Parliament in order to go to war.

The existence of the monarch and the Royal Prerogative hands an amazing amount of executive power to the Prime Minister. In reality, the political system applies checks and balances, but theoretically the PM has powers that third world despots would consider acceptable. Because the Prime Minister is the Queen's Prime Minister, not the people's.

[Trilby]

This has been a pretty ok sort of royal family. Not a patch
on the Tudors though. The Tudors were your Woodstock.

[limey]

Me too, like what Dana said. But I like playing the !

[xoxoxoBruce]

Any excuse for a party, limey?

[Rhianne]

I think that there have been valid reasons for a country to have a king, a queen and a royal family. But that was hundreds of years ago. We don't need them anymore. I'd like them to go. All of them. Today.

[ZenGum]

Is it just me, or is that tuba Limey is playing farting "69" out the bell?

Queen Liz is just a bit of decoration for us. Technically she chooses the Governor General from a shortlist, and this person has the power to dismiss the government and call an election; but a precedent has been established that you can give her a list of one name and let her choose from that.

Culturally, having a monarch does maintain our bond with the British culture that is the foundation of modern Australian culture; it provides a continuity during a time of cultural diversification. That and the cricket and rugby. And the language.

[glatt]

I'm glad you have a Queen. It's fun. You have the castles, and palaces, and events, and ceremonies. The tourists have something cool to go see.

When I went to Windsor, we went to the Windsor farm shop, and got butter and ice cream produced by Her Royal Highness's cows. So it's not like they don't do something to pull their own weight. And I bet they bring in way more money than they cost, just through tourism.

You have the royal parks you can stroll through. They are really nice.

It's not like she has any real power. If she tried to exert any real power, the government would eliminate her role.

But having said all that, I'm glad you have the queen, and we don't. Our identity is all wrapped up in throwing off the yoke of the crown.

[DanaC]

Originally Posted by glatt

It's not like she has any real power. If she tried to exert any real power, the government would eliminate her role.

She may not have any real power. But that is because her power is invested in the Prime Minister. All our cheques and balances are customary. We have no written constitution to protect us. Far too much power, both theoretical and actual is concentrated into the hands of the PM. This is a direct consequence of the royal prerogative.



But yeah. Crowns and castles are fun. So are princes and princesses. But we are not a fucking theme park ya know?

[glatt]

Originally Posted by DanaC

But we are not a fucking theme park ya know?

No. You're the real deal.

[xoxoxoBruce]

Originally Posted by glatt

You have the royal parks you can stroll through. They are really nice.

Except the damn Americans walking on the grass.

[Undertoad]

you do have that ferris wheel