Royalty, the BBC and their "religious" correspondent - NOT amateur radio

In the last few days the BBC has come under a lot of criticism for the underhand methods used to get the 1995 interview with Princess Diana. My understanding is they forged bank statements to show that people in whom she trusted were spying on her. I may have my facts slightly wrong, so please check the sources yourselves. What is not at doubt is that Diana was deceived to get the interview and some at the BBC apparently knew about this.

In my view the UK royalty will be history within 50 years unless great changes are made. I think the UK queen has done a pretty good job in difficult circumstances. The whole royal family could have done an even better job if it "came of age".

Many royal couples have divorced and some of the royal traditions are plain wrong. I am not a great royalist, but fear the person we could choose as a president if we ever became a republic.  Can you think of anyone?

My vote is for a continued royal family, but with great changes. Hangers on would have to earn a living, and many of the privileges would go. Many look up to the royal family as pillars of society. It is a delicate balance between "otherness" and us. 

Royal Funeral - NOT amateur radio

Like millions around the world, we watched the funeral of the Duke of Edinburgh from Windsor Castle. 

I am not a great royalist and cannot imagine the royal family surviving another 50 years unless it changes. When the queen dies the English royal family will be in mortal peril. No, I think what was really being mourned was the end (or very near end) of an era.

Privilege, as a result of who you are, will end. Minor royals who live wealthy lives off UK taxpayers will end. I think the royal family has to evolve. I cannot think of a suitable president should we become a republic. No, I think we will still have a royal family, but very different.

I feel very sorry for the queen who has lost a lifelong husband and companion. They we married for 73 years, which is a long time!

That royal interview - NOT amateur radio

Today, people are talking about 2 things in England. Firstly, all school children are returning to schools. Secondly, Oprah Winfrey interviewed Meghan and Harry, who now live in California.

Views on the royal family are very wide. My personal view is that they have to change. Wealth and privilege as a result of who your parents are or were has no place today. I am not a republican, but feel change has to occur or the UK monarchy will end in the next 50 years.

Why do we need to spend millions doing up a cottage in Windsor Great Park? 

Yes, our royal family and palaces are probably worth millions in tourism each year. We can still have this without the silliness that goes with it. Get real royals!

UK royalty in crisis? - NOT amateur radio

When it comes to the royal family I am conflicted. There is little doubt that our history, linked with our king and queens, is a big tourist draw. It probably earns us millions each year. Also, there is little doubt that our queen has done a good job during her long reign.

At the same time, I hate privilege with certain people having too much wealth and power. I have my doubts about royalty continuing in the same way once the queen dies.

There is much evidence of minor royals getting too easy a ride at the expense of the public purse. My wife makes a good suggestion: sell off some royal palaces as hotels and charge huge fees for visitors to stay where royalty once slept. The Americans would love this. Give any revenue generated to the NHS. If some royals want to live abroad let them, but not at our expense. Likewise, cut down on payments to minor royals.

It cannot be easy being a senior royal. The only thing that stops me being a republican is I cannot think of a single person who would make a good president!

Another royal wedding

Apparently the queen paid for the wedding, but we, Joe Public, paid for all the security. I am not sure where I stand on royalty. I guess as a brand it earns a few million, but I am against wealth and privilege when not earned. On the other hand I can't think of a suitable candidate for UK president! Most in public life are a shower.

Goodness only knows what will happen when the queen dies. No doubt this event has been rehearsed and rehearsed on the TV and radio channels. I guess it is bound to happen sometime soon, although her mum lived to a ripe old age.

See https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-45827183 .