Current Perception of the Windsors and the Future of the Monarchy

[Constantinople]

to the best of my knowedge, a referendum has not been held in Canada but In Australia, referenda seem to go hand in hand with proportional representation.  Edward MacWhinney, who is Australian and Canadian and one of the world's top constitutional experts has outlined a number of ways that Canada can move to Republican status.  By the way for smaller countries like Fiji, it may be more ecnonomical to maintain the Queen or King of Britain as a constitutional monarch.

[mcdnab]

I hope you didn't think i was having a go with the "churlish" remark Lindelle - i was simply stating that in reality countries like Australia would have to pay out considerably more if they had a resident monarch or president and the annual costs of the rare state visit probably amounts to a few cents per household.
Personally I am rather neutral on whether Australia, New Zealand and Canada should become Republics - I would hope if they did they would do as other former Dominions have done and retain the link with the UK and the British Crown via the Commonwealth. I have to say that since Dominion status and the Westminster conference - they might as well be!!

The financial arguements apply in any country - whatever form of head of state you have you have to pay for it somehow.

[CHRISinUSA]

to the best of my knowedge, a referendum has not been held in Canada but In Australia, referenda seem to go hand in hand with proportional representation.  Edward MacWhinney, who is Australian and Canadian and one of the world's top constitutional experts has outlined a number of ways that Canada can move to Republican status.  By the way for smaller countries like Fiji, it may be more ecnonomical to maintain the Queen or King of Britain as a constitutional monarch.

Constantinople, what is the current status of Quebec's separatism movement?  Do you think t the process of removing the monarchy in Canada be a catalyst for those folks to revisit breaking away from the rest of Canada? 

[Constantinople]

If there is a republic it will probably defuse some of the separatism but it will be seen as a time for renegotiation for cpmparative rights and privileges (but not obligations)

[Grace]

It is not about the cost but about the cost being spent on a foreign head of state.  To have a vestigial colonial status is not politically mature.

You forgot to add "in your opinion".

[Constantinople]

welll it isnt just my opinion that is the analysis of most political analysts and constitutional experts

[Lindelle]

I hope you didn't think i was having a go with the "churlish" remark Lindelle - i was simply stating that in reality countries like Australia would have to pay out considerably more if they had a resident monarch or president and the annual costs of the rare state visit probably amounts to a few cents per household.
Personally I am rather neutral on whether Australia, New Zealand and Canada should become Republics - I would hope if they did they would do as other former Dominions have done and retain the link with the UK and the British Crown via the Commonwealth. I have to say that since Dominion status and the Westminster conference - they might as well be!!

The financial arguements apply in any country - whatever form of head of state you have you have to pay for it somehow.

Well I didn't really no what to think. But it's ok, thanks for that. I won't take offence.

[Marshall II]

Hello, with the possible abdication of Queen Elizabeth II after her Diamond Jubilee and ninetieth birthday I was wondering what everyone else's thoughts on this are. I personally disagree with the idea of her renouncing the throne in favor of Prince Charles, but that is just me.

[Robert_Hall]

First, the Queen cannot abdicate without an act of Parliament.  At best, Prince Charles could become regent and assume more  "royal duties", which he is doing  now.
 Secondly,  the British monarchy is not  like the Netherlands.
 and thirdly, abdication is a dirty word in the UK, they are quite used to having "older queens", so to speak.

[Kalafrana]

No British monarch has ever voluntarily abdicated, apart from Edward VIII. That is a precedent which is most unlikely to be followed.

The Queen seems to be very gradually scaling down her public appearances as she gets older, and I think this will continue, but she will remain on the thrrone until she dies. That goes with the job.

I also think it most unlikely that the Prince of Wales will renounce his rights to the succession - and why should he?

Ann

[Eric_Lowe]

I think that is utter nonsense. The Queen will NEVER abdicate.

[Rani]

I hope the Queen has her mothers vitality. Charles is okay, but I prefer Harry. William is very odd.

What bout a dynasty change? The Jacobites with their current head Duke Franz in Bavaria?

[Kalafrana]

Rani

What makes you say that William is very odd? I don't find him odd. I find him a bit bland.

Ann

[Robert_Hall]

 For once, I agree with Eric, and Ann is correct. The Queen CANNOT abdicate nor the Prince of Wales renounce his rights without an  act of Parliament. Some seem to forget this legal bit. Getting anything like such actions  would most likely take longer than any of our lives.
 Also- change of dynasty ?  How silly, the Bavarian is CATHOLIC, for one- another act of Parliament. And a new government as well.

[Grace]

Marshall II, where did you get the idea of the possible abdication of the Queen after her Diamond Jubilee and ninetieth birthday?  I've never heard these rumours and was just wondering, as those who know a bit about the Queen are pretty convinced she regards her job for life following the commitment she made at her coronation ceremony in 1953. 

Apart from that, I have the suspicion that the Queen has a few concerns about her immediate successor the same as a lot of us do.