To all the friends I have never met...

[Wayne]

I still can't figure out the need for a bunch of royals strutting around like chickens, they are just welfare recipients.

You got that right

 

[TobyC]

What’s the Difference Between a Biscuit and a Scone?

The Southern History Of Biscuits

 

[Wayne]

 

[Chris]

I still can't figure out the need for a bunch of royals strutting around like chickens, they are just welfare recipients.

That’s because your country hasn’t existed long enough to have history or tradition yet.

 

[Steve Bowles]

I still can't figure out the need for a bunch of royals strutting around like chickens, they are just welfare recipients.

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.

 

[Chris]

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.

I'm hoping that they’re succeeded by William and Kate.

 

[TobyC]

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.

But how many millions of dollars does it cost to have them?

 

[Wayne]

But how many millions of dollars does it cost to have them?

It doesn't matter they are what make Great Britain Great.

 

[Steve Bowles]

But how many millions of dollars does it cost to have them?

With the exception of Andrew and his daughters, the Royals pretty much earn their keep. It's the upkeep and maintenance of the palaces that dent the taxpayer's purse. Buckingham Palace hasn't had the electrical connections, or the plumbing updated since the turn of the 20th century. The last time a plumber was working in the Queen's privy, he backed into the sink and it fell off the wall. Windsor Castle, Sandringham, Balmoral -- and the other 30 Royal residences are all crumbling. No one can accuse Elizabeth of squandering taxpayer dosh.

 

[TobyC]

With the exception of Andrew and his daughters, the Royals pretty much earn their keep. It's the upkeep and maintenance of the palaces that dent the taxpayer's purse. Buckingham Palace hasn't had the electrical connections, or the plumbing updated since the turn of the 20th century. The last time a plumber was working in the Queen's privy, he backed into the sink and it fell off the wall. Windsor Castle, Sandringham, Balmoral -- and the other 30 Royal residences are all crumbling. No one can accuse Elizabeth of squandering taxpayer dosh.

But then there's cars, trains, planes, security, food service, crazy fairy tale clothes, and those hats!

 

[Wayne]

With the exception of Andrew and his daughters, the Royals pretty much earn their keep. It's the upkeep and maintenance of the palaces that dent the taxpayer's purse. Buckingham Palace hasn't had the electrical connections, or the plumbing updated since the turn of the 20th century. The last time a plumber was working in the Queen's privy, he backed into the sink and it fell off the wall. Windsor Castle, Sandringham, Balmoral -- and the other 30 Royal residences are all crumbling. No one can accuse Elizabeth of squandering taxpayer dosh.

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

 

[TobyC]

I think we've lost sight of whatever this thread was about, not that it really matters.

 

[Chris]

But then there's cars, trains, planes, security, food service, crazy fairy tale clothes, and those hats!

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.

 

[Xring3]

If I had the time or the inclination I’d tell you about my former English father-in-law. I’ll just say for now, my experience in his company was far from pleasant. I’m sure from my bantering with people on this forum that he was not a typical bloke......or was he?

 

[Chris]

If I had the time or the inclination I’d tell you about my former English father-in-law. I’ll just say for now, my experience in his company was far from pleasant. I’m sure from my bantering with people on this forum that he was not a typical bloke......or was he?

I would suggest that it was unfair to judge a nation based on your experience of one individual.