Need opinions in USA as to British Monarchy. What do you feel it's function is in this century?

Answer 1

A stabilizing influence. A necessary connection to the past. A sense of tradition.

Sorry I am no more eloquent than this...

Answer 2

Among other things, the Royal Family is a rallying point in times of national crisis. Just look at WWII: even though it is Parliament that does the actual governing, the Royal Family was able to set a good example for the country as a whole, getting involved in all aspects of life. Princess Elizabeth trained as a motor mechanic, in fact.

Though they have no political power, they can have great influence. Queen Mother Elizabeth was known for her charitable work; as another poster pointed out, Prince Charles advocates organic gardening. This interest may influence commercial farmers, and that is to the good.

I guess you could say that I do believe that the British monarchy still has an important role to play.

Answer 3

Though it's true that the royals serve as figureheads with parliament doing most of the heavy lifting of gov't, it's a history thing.
The British Monarchy has been in existance for over 1,000 years and was THE superpower during the colonial era.
But beyond that, I think as an American Anglophile who aboslutely loves the royals, there would be something lost if the UK became separate republics. I for one like watching all of the documentaries that come on Amer. Public television and cable about the royals. Though many of the documentaries and movies I've seen, I've watched many times over the years, I can still find something that wasn't there when I watched it before. The queen still asks the Prime Minister to construct a gov't in her name and she reads all of the
state papers she keeps in the Red Box.
On a lighter note, there is nothing like seeing the pagentry of a royal occassion, or just seeing townspeople lining up to see the royals do walkabouts when they 're @ Balmoral pr Sandringham. Tourism wouldn't be the same if there were republics. More then that, The world wouldn't be the same with royal families in general. Whether people admit or not, there is a part of all of us that wants to know all we want about royals from Europe and in other parts of the world. But from this royal watcher to all of you, No royal family has the best crown jewels but the British!!!!!!!!!!

Answer 4

Hi!

I feel that the function of the British Monarchy, like the Monarchy of every country that has a Monarchy, is to present life on that particular level. It is a level of wealth, manners, social grace and responsibility that belongs to no other class, and in the case of the British Monarchy it is sanctified by the Church.

To me it is a particularly nice section of society, one that has wealth and glamour in a way that no other group of people can attain, no matter how great their wealth. I am not saying that the Monarchy is flawless, and in fact it is not at all nor has it been in the past, which is an understatement. However, I find myself looking up to it, even though I am an American by birth, because the main part of the family and all the relatives .... the dukes and dutchesses ... are so glamorous. It is not a movie star glamour, although one likes to look at such perfection, but when you can look like, say, Queen Mary in all her beautiful clothes, her chest full of the largest jewels a little girl (me!) ever saw... that is royal!

I am happy to see that the Prince of Wales is so involved with his organic farming and village markets... I think it is important for a person of his position in society to set a precedent which uplifts not only the economy but the cultural level of the country. I see his role as catalystic. I am very relieved that he has taken such an interest, and in that particular way. England has always had a certain culinary tradition that is closely linked to the countryside, to its produce, and style of presentation. I am happy to see that he has picked up the style of the thing...

there is an English song, the words for which:
A North Country maid up to London had strayed,
Although with her nature it did not agree,
O the oak, and the ash, and the bonny rowan tree.
They flourish at home in my own countree ...

Well, to me, England is that ... and it needs preservation.

I also see it as important that the Monarchy continue to take an interest in the poor as they do.

I also wish they were more careful of their young.They have in the past allowed them to get into trouble. When some of the rest of us get into trouble at the drop of a hat, one finds oneself wishing for some class of people one may admire.

I think that if they all play their roles, they will do fine. It functions as any hierarchy does: a person for every role.

Answer 5

This American thinks British royalty is:

1. Fascinating to watch
2. Hugely entertaining.
3. Amazingly insignificant in the whole scheme of things.
4. An anachronism.

Answer 6

Function? What function? The Royals are the ceremonial head of the British gov't, which means practically nothing. They are basically window dressing to make the people of England feel good about themselves. And that's just fine. At least you have some sort of continuity in your gov't.

Answer 7

The Queen serves as a figurehead and as a symbol for the country.

I saw an editorial once that said this is actually a loss for the US. Since we do not have a monarch, the flag stands as a symbol, making it easy for political leaders (such as Bush) to wrap themselves with it and scream patriotism (and make statements that someone who doesn't agree with them is "unpatriotic"). With a monarch, you just can't do that. You can't say "the Queen is on my side", because she might not be. Since Elizabeth pretty much doesn't make political statements, it keeps this kind of talk at bay. I don't think a monarch is appropriate for the US, but I do think the editorial is correct.

Answer 8

All countries have their symbols. The British Monarchy is a symbolic connection to the rich history of Britain. Personally, I think it is a quite expensive symbol, but we in America have expensive symbols as well.

Answer 9

Attracts tourism and is fodder for the tabloids, They're interesting, don't like the present lot, excepting the Prince William; did love Diana though. Really, can't imagine their function other than a curiosity.

Answer 10

Its function could be to provide a good example of character. Similar to the fairy tales where royalty has a duty to their country men to behave in a princely way. That is high moral standards, compassion for their people, and a sense of duty to serve.