What British people think about their monarchy?

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The kingdom might not be united by the time Elizabeth dies!

Must say I agree with Ringo though, I think they've outlived their purpose. I've got respect for the Queen for essentially being ever-present through a very interesting time in history, and I don't think Charles etc. could ever live up to her.

Let's use Canada as an example: Since Canada uses primarily English-derived common law, the holders of

the land actually have land tenure (permission to hold land from the Crown) rather than absolute ownership.

The majority of all lands in Canada are held by governments in the name of the monarch and are called

Crown Lands. About 89% of Canada's land area (8,886,356 km²) is Crown Land, which may either be federal

(41%) or provincial (48%); the remaining 11% is privately owned. All land in Canada, including that which is

'privately owned' is a land tenure by definition. Land tenure is the name given, particularly in common

law systems, to the legal regime in which land is owned by an individual, who is said to "hold" the land (the

French verb "tenir" means "to hold"; "tenant" is the present participle of "tenir"). The sovereign monarch,

known as The Crown, held land in its own right. All private owners are either its tenants or sub-tenants. The

term "tenure" is used to signify the relationship between tenant and lord, not the relationship between

tenant and land.

This is the case in all 53 countries in the Commonwealth. Shocking isn't it?

source: Wikipedia and readings from other sources such as legal dictionaries.

^^^^

So this is saying that basically the Queen ultimately owns your private land?

for anyone who lives in those 53 countries, YES.

that person is a tenant only, as per the definitions relevant to 'land tenure'

all these people pay a mortgage for decades and still do NOT own the land

The 'turn out' always amazes me at public manifestations of royalty, I usually conclude that the idiots lining the streets with their tacky plastic flags and Union Jack facepaint and clothing are paid actors at best. Or slaves.

I would personally like to see the monarchy removed, and the bloody House of Lords. I'd argue that we're not a democracy until both are gone, and their members are reduced to the status of normal people.

... having said that, I've met Prince Charles (at work) and he seemed like a likeable enough chap. Even though I was reprimanded by colleagues for not addressing him as 'your Highness' (sir or madam fits all), he personally didn't seem bothered, and spoke to me with the same level of respect and courtesy.

Interesting fact: My diagnostician reckons Charles is Aspie.

Actually, the land is held by the Crown, which according to precedent is controlled by parliament, which in theory belongs to the citizens of the United Kingdom, which means *we* technically own the land, which means it's not trespass...

Some food for thought:

I once derived the cost per citizen for the Danish Monarchy (all tax payer costs/number of citizens).

It amounted to less than $ 13 per citizen.

Add to this that most expenses of the Danish Monarchy are derived from maintenance of nationally conserved sites (predominantly castles), that would probably be maintained even if the Monarchy was dissolved.

Then there is the "business" value of having a royal family which can promote your country in the world. Asian countries really dig royalty, for some reason. They also buy a *lot* of goods.

Bottom line: As silly as it may seem, a (figurehead) monarchy *might* just be economically beneficiary to a country.

It would be interesting to see a similar assessment in the UK.

The first time I visited London (aged around I bought a souvenir. Got home and looked at it more closely. "Made in Korea". Hmmm. Like all those Eiffel tower souvenirs sold in Paris... "Made in China". Not sure what country benefits the most from tourist purchases.

Again I repeat. Surgical scissors. Sawdust. Glass cabinet.

Every person could get that 13 dollars back and retain the tourist revenue.

LOL Surgical scissors why did you mention it

The Danish monarchy is the most popular in Europe.

Ah, but the Danish monarchy has a very high approval rate (about 80% of those polled in 2012 support the Danish monarchy). Only about 15% of Danes want a republic. Which is unfortunate for you.

Funnily enough, it's only demented Irish nationalists/republicans like yourself that still rant and rave so bitterly about monarchy.

Pleasing to read that you hate it so much though. GSTQ.

The Queen doesn't have much real power. The last time the monarch declined royal assent (vetoed a bill) was 1708 under Queen Anne.