21 April, 2006 | Leave a Comment
Her Majesty Elizabeth II Vagina (oops, Regina) turns 80 today. It seems to be a big deal round these parts, at least for the media. At the rate the Queen is going, Charles probably won’t become King until he turns 80 (unless, of course, he and Camilla die in some sort of tragic murder-suicide before then).
In today’s Guardian, Jonathan Freedland writes that Elizabeth II’s reign is all that’s keeping the monarchy afloat. He believes that people should decide now whether the monarchy will continue after her death.
Here is Freedland on the British Royal Family:
Most democracies abandoned such lunacy centuries ago, but here it persists. We talk the talk about social mobility, but on our national ladder, the top rung is always out of reach. Symbols matter and our central one says that Britain is a place where birth still determines rank.
He then examines how the various royals help the cause of those who want to abolish the monarchy. A few highlights:
Charles: “King Charles III? Three little words which make the republican argument come alive.”
William: “The Diana good looks might have helped, but they’re offset by a truly retro Etonian attitude to class. And his hair’s receding.”
Harry: “Wins the party- boy vote but has inherited his grandfather’s knack for racist gaffes. A gift.”
Edward: “Still believe that genetics are a guide to ability? I don’t think so.”
Andrew: “For reformers who believe the royal family are overpaid do-nothings, he’s the poster-boy.”
Phillip: “With his knack for offending people of all races, creeds and colours, he’s been a prize asset to the abolitionist cause.”
And my favorite:
Eugenie and Beatrice: “They might work as collectible dolls, but not quite head-of-state material.”
Anglofille said @ 3:20 pm | london & uk | 3 Comments
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MEOW!!! A tragic murder-suicide for Charles and what’s-her-face is something we can only hope for!
I think Prince William can save the monarchy. Charles HAS to step aside.
The woman Prince William marries will play a large part in the future of the royal family. If she’s another “Diana” then the royal family is there to stay for at least another century.
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If Prince William’s bride is another Diana, she may end up in a mangled Mercedes somewhere in a Paris tunnel…
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Sic semper tyrannis!
