These are my favourite living royals, in no particular order.
1) Queen Silvia of Sweden - a beautiful woman who seems to do the job and have fun doing it. And she's the best-dressed queen.
2) and 3) Juan Carlos and Sofia of Spain - his institution of democracy evokes a time when monarchs were actually rulers. She's very simple and effective in her work and very original in her thinking. And I find it endearing that she's, IMO, the worst-dressed queen - her mind's on other things. She also might just mark the end of an era in being the last royal-blooded queen consort the world will ever see. This is, perhaps, as it should be, but it does make her interesting.
4) Queen Anne-Marie of Greece - a beautiful woman whose grace has lent the GRF a greater air of dignity than other deposed and exiled royals often have.
5) QEII - I've heard the criticism and can't argue with a lot of it, but, to me, she's not just a woman but an institution in and of herself. I love her!
6) Queen Anne of Romania - she's another who's so simple. She proves that a queen doesn't have to be rich or aloof to be majestic. She's funny and open.
7) Duchess of Kent - She seems kind and gracious, and I admire that she gave up her HRH, saying it's not relevant to today's world. HRH's are a bit crass when you think about it. What is "highness"? Why not call them something that's a quality that the person theoretically has or can try to live up to, like "Your Royal Virtuousness" or "Your Royal Graciousness" or "Your Royal Magnanimousness". But to call them "highness" is to have to say, Yes, you are above me. I don't blame her for getting sick of it.
Duchess of Cornwall - I'm treading on dangerous ground here, and I sympathise with those who aren't happy about the situation. But I like her horsey lack of grandeur, and I find her family background and early life very interesting. And I like her "Never complain, never explain" philosophy. And with all the punishment she's taken, she's gotta love him.
9) Alexandra Manley of Denmark - she's what a modern royal should be, IMO. I like that she came to the DRF speaking several languages and having had a career that took brains. And she knows when to keep her mouth shut.
10) Victoria of Sweden - I think she'll make a great monarch. She's dedicated and she seems like she'll really embrace the role. Plus, while she's attractive, it's cute the way she's looking a little dowdy lately. The specs make her look like a young Margrethe.
