the end of the british monarchy.

It says a lot the fact every media or person who has access to a public forum have shared the same opinion about them for decades, from one corner to other of the political spectrum, even if they are slaughtering each other when discussing other topics on a daily basis.

Pass on the baton on the kid has been a good move, they remind me of Ratzinger and that Argentinian who is the Pope nowadays. The kid doesn't shoot animals and doesn't cheat on the wife. A king cheating on his wife is considered appropiate here in Cain's land though, but this one had gone too far, the poor lady looked like an Styracosaurus.

I always find it strange that some people who say they celebrate democracy defend the concept of a monarchy; that we somehow just couldn't manage without these ridiculous people that suck a fortune from the taxpater.

Ghostliner, please don't bracket me as part of a group of 'people like you' and make statements about this theoretical group, and therefore myself by extention, 'lapping it up' in relation to positive royal news. There is a certain lack of courtesy in your tone and choice of words. You know nothing about me or what I believe. I simply cite the example of William as a counterbalance to the notion that the royal family contribute nothing positive. You believe they are placed in such roles in a calculated and deliberate fashion, I disagree. This doesn't make me naive or mean that I walk around with my eyes closed to reality. In any case, either way the good work is still done. This morning on the radio I hear about Kate talking at an event to women who suffered from post-natal depression. The women interviewed were unanimous in their opinion that it was a fantastic experience to speak with someone in such a priviliged position who had shared some of their troubling 'real-life' emotional difficulties. They spoke of her empathy, warmth and compassion. Cynical placement and acting or a genuinely nice gesture? You believe what you want, I will do the same. Personally I do think the royal family is increasingly archaic and costly but I see no reason to condemn them or throw the institution away, particularly in some of the harsh tones expressed in this thread. 

I'll bracket you any way I like actually pal, OK? You're the target audience for this kind of royal branding, as your gushing praise for these undoubtedly worthy activities demonstrates.

It's clever marketing, and you're lapping it up.

OK, we've let this thread run for 36 pages now: in the last few pages it has become increasingly political and nasty, so I am now locking it.

David, moderator

Hmm your aggressive tone is puzzling and unnecessary. Pal.