While Her Majesty endures there will be no serious debate

because even the staunchest republican must recognise the extraordinary qualities in our Queen. Charles shows signs of wanting radically to reduce the size of the royal family and William has a degree of popular support.

It remains the fact that had there been some horrible accident before Will and Kate produced offspring, Nonce Andrew would be next in line to our throne. At that point I suspect there would be a massive and widespread shift in attitudes. And of the Queen’s four children I can’t help feeling Anne would be the best choice; but there is no choice.

As things are though I suspect the Palace and its inhabitants will remain our Heads of State certainly long after I’m dead.

Elected heads of state are rarely the best people and the role in our country has no actual power that matters so profoundly undemocratic though it undoubtedly is, and unfair on those who are born into roles they’re just not suited for, I find it hard to get too excited about this stuff and I suspect I’m not alone in that.

Posted By: Old Man, Jan 26, 09:29:27