To all the friends I have never met...

[TobyC]

The royal family is largely paid for by the Crown Estate, a portfolio of land and property that’s belonged to the monarch since time immemorial. The proceeds from the Crown Estate are paid to the government and the monarch receives 15% back as the Sovereign Grant. Essentially the Queen pays 85% income tax.

The taxpayer pays towards the upkeep of the palace, but that’s outweighed by the amount of money brought in by the palace as a tourist attraction, and TBH I’m happy for my taxes to go towards preserving our heritage.

I agree about the preservation. There are many structures throughout England and Ireland that should be preserved and protected. Your heritage goes beyond the palace.

 

[Rufusdog]

Actually they're responsible for millions of dollars in revenue from female American tourists who need to be part of the 'cult of personality'. Elizabeth and Philip are the bedrock of Britain. I don't know what will happen to the national psyche when the pass on.

Let’s not forget that QE II is the reigning constitutional monarch and head of state of 16 sovereign states (Commonwealth Realms): the UK, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Bahamas, Barbados, Belize, Antigua & Barbuda, Grenada, Jamaica, Nevis & St Kitts, Papua New Guinea, St Vincent & the Grenadines, Tuvalu, St Lucia and Solomon Islands.

 

[Steve Bowles]

Ahem! THat's Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth the second to you. We get to call her Mam.

Since Americans are not required to bow, curtsy, or bend a knee to anyone, any respectful appellation for a 94-year old woman is warranted.

 

[Steve Bowles]

Let’s not forget that QE II is the reigning constitutional monarch and head of state of 16 sovereign states (Commonwealth Realms): the UK, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Bahamas, Barbados, Belize, Antigua & Barbuda, Grenada, Jamaica, Nevis & St Kitts, Papua New Guinea, St Vincent & the Grenadines, Tuvalu, St Lucia and Solomon Islands.

Those are some powerhouse nations, Dog-Man.

 

[Wayne]

I'm respectfully dropping out of this thread. Enjoy.

 

[Steve Bowles]

I'm respectfully dropping out of this thread. Enjoy.

This only got out of hand when you likened our buttermilk biscuits to scones. See what happens when you mix races?

 

[Xring3]

Perhaps it is best to only think of my father-in-law as my former father-in-law.

 

[TobyC]

I'm respectfully dropping out of this thread. Enjoy.

You let the 'mericans run ya off again?

 

[Holyzeus]

You let the 'mericans run ya off again?

No, just tiresome to argue with. They think they’re right..

 

[TobyC]

No, just tiresome to argue with. They think they’re right..

Bloody Redcoats think that too!

 

[Beemers]

english uninvited guests came twice and they left in a hurry