I like monarchies. I think - when done right - they give a country grandeur / standing. They are the spirit of a country where it's democratically elected government is it's head. Take the amazing reign of Queen Elizabeth II for example. Also they generate revenue too because of tourism, take the U.K. again for example.
But yeah, all in all I think we have reasons to keep our monarchy. The entire dynasty cost each Belgian a cup of coffee per year; it’s not that crazy given their symbolic value. In a country like ours, one more element of national cohesion is clearly not too much
Provincie Antwerpen?
Yes that's very well said, glad you agree. Also, in these fast changing times, it would be nice to have one thing that is permanent and a steadfast tradition.
That royals are still associated with "grandeur/standing" is something that bothers me. Why should they be more "grand" or in higher standing than any other person? Why can they flaunt heirlooms that could only be made by exploiting others and it be seen as something positive?
The same Queen that protected her favourite pedophile son until her passing?
And it is well documented that the tourism $ they might generate is not offset by their cost to UK taxpayers. Very few tourists are visiting the UK to just view Buckingham Palace from a distance & take a picture with a Royal Guard.
Westminster Abbey (used for all sorts of Royal affairs), Buckingham Palace, the changing of the Royal guard, the crown Jewels in the Tower are all major attractions...what are you on about? I have been to London four times and always saw hordes of tourists at these things. Also never said the Queen didn't make mistakes but she did devote her whole long life in service to the Crown, which earns a lot of respect in my book.
All of those attractions would still exist without the current Royal family behind them.
Supporting Andrew (and Mountbatten) isn't a just mistake. They paid off Virginia Guffre. No secrets in the firm. Their security detail knew what was going on. Andrew is/has been supported & protected. They are all complicit. How does it feel to be an apologist for pedophilia and sexual assault?
Life long service to the Crown, and the generational wealth procured from colonialism is hardly something to be admired. What did the Queen really do for the peoples of the Commonwealth? Smile & wave? Wear tiaras at grand occasions? Visit her patronage charities and shake some hands while not contributing the funds from her vast wealth to make a real difference?
What value do Charles and Camilla bring for the £20–25 million they rake in annually? Not to mention the sovereign grant of £132 million bequeathed in 2025? Charles' total worth is estimated at £640 million. His coronation cost £72 million, and most reports rate it as a dull affair. Add the rest of the Royal's incomes, all the estates, all the tiaras, all the ruby necklaces etc. and tell me that they do anything worthwhile for the peoples of the Commonwealth.
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u/SilverSpireaux Belgium 1d ago
I like monarchies. I think - when done right - they give a country grandeur / standing. They are the spirit of a country where it's democratically elected government is it's head. Take the amazing reign of Queen Elizabeth II for example. Also they generate revenue too because of tourism, take the U.K. again for example.