As a 23-year-old monarchist, I would like to encourage young republicans and undecideds to consider my deeply felt views in support of the monarchy. I feel that in our hectic and sometimes unfeeling modern world, it is more vital than ever to preserve institutions like the British monarchy which provide a unique kind of continuity and excitement. I went to London for the Jubilee celebrations, and I can honestly say that no American or republican event has ever given me the emotional thrill that the Queen's Jubilee did. Republicans think their cause is in the interest of "the people," but what about the millions of ordinary people (like me) who derive great emotional satisfaction from observing the ancient and modern activities of the royal family? As for the argument that positions should be earned, it is simply not possible to "earn" a throne as one earns a medical degree, because a king or queen is by definition the descendant of previous kings and queens. The monarchy does nothing to prevent the meritocratic principle from being applied to every other aspect of society. But for me--and for the majority of the British people--that principle simply wouldn't work for the post of head of state, which has been so well served these past 50 years by an admirable woman who did not have to ruthlessly push her way to the top. God Save the Queen!
Who do you think should be the next head of state?
Do you think Charles or William should be the next King?
Would Charles make a modern enough King?
Has the Jubilee weekend changed you?
Is the Queen a feminist icon?
Is having a civil list a good idea?
Does the Queen and her household cost us too much, or are they good value for money?
Are you happy with the status quo? Or do you think there is a credible alternative?
And, finally, how many people do you think would line the streets to celebrate 50 years of a British Republic?
As someone who reveres and respects the traditions of monarchy, I have no doubt that Prince Charles should and will be the next king. With his wide range of interests and thoughtful comments on relevant issues, it seems to me that the Prince of Wales will be a perfect king for the 21st century. Prince William will also make a fine king; his time will come after his father and grandmother are no longer with us. I was in London for the Jubilee Weekend, and if anything this experience reinforced my support for the British monarchy. I can't recall any experience more thrilling than when the royal family came out on the balcony. I don't see the Queen as a "feminist icon," nor should she be: she is a British icon. I believe that the excitement of having a royal family is well worth the money it costs--especially since the money the government gets from the Crown Estates is more than the money it spends on the monarchy! I can't see a republic generating nearly as much enthusiasm and interest as the monarchy does.