Don't see everyone's problem with the street parties really. Most people would agree that the UK would be a better place if we all got to know our neighbours and acted like a proper society again and this is a chance to do that.
As for the Royals not working, William's an Air Sea Rescue pilot, Harry's done a tour of Afghan and is a Troop Leader in the Household Cavalry, Charles commanded a minesweeper and flew an RAF helicopter (ASR like William I think), Andrew flew in the Falklands and has been a UK trade ambassador and Edward runs his media company.
Yeah none of them have ever done eight hours down a pit but how many on here can actually claim to have ever done a hard day's real graft in their lives?
What he said.
I'm sure Harry and William would love to be able to fight on the front lines with their fellow soldiers. They certainly have expressed that. But they have been forbidden to do it. What can they do about that? Put yourself in their shoes. Life is more that just privilege and celebrity. I'm sure they want to do something "real." And Harry has certainly tried. I think if it wasn't for the Drudge Report he'd still be in Afghanistan.
What the family does for charity and driving attention to important causes is crucial as well. They aren't just wastes of space. They've dedicated their lives to this sort of thing. I understand that they are unique that they CAN do that, but how many people with that kind of privilege can you name that have dedicated their lives to serving others?
Honestly, why are people so cynical about the royal family? Every country has powerful symbols of national unity and history. In America we have the Declaration of Independence and The Constitution. In France it's the Revolution and the Rights of Man declaration. These documents are important but lifeless.
But in Britain you have a living breathing symbol of your nation and the eyes of the world are on you for it! You should be proud of it and proud of your history. To me, slagging off the royals is akin to slagging off the Constitution here. It just seems wrong and unpatriotic.
Think of all the things you'd have to change if the monarchy weren't there? Think of all those ships you'd have to rename, all those societies and monuments. It would probably cost more to change all the things in Britain that have "royal" on them than what it costs for the monarchy itself. (Hyperbole alert)
All those monuments and palaces would just seem hollow and cold without the monarchy. At least in France they have the revolution to point to. In Russia and Germany they have revolutions and the First World War. It would just be sad to get rid of them just by saying "meh" and starting over.
And remember, all those soldiers and sailors swear allegiance to the monarchy when they sign up. And they always have. It's like you'd be harming their legacy as well.
I know here in America that if we got rid of our constitution and everything we stand for and have fought for, it would seem like we'd be robbing the legacy of everyone who's come before.
Sorry for my rant. It's fine for any of you to be republicans and I understand that side of it. But try to look at in a different light. It would just be replaced with shallow things like Hollywood or the Sarcozys or the Kennedys.
You'll never get rid of the cult of celebrity so embrace what you have as unique and powerful.
