Well if that wasn’t the longest funeral in the history of the world.
Television news teams around the world claimed Queen Elizabeth II’s recent death “shocked a nation.” Really? The woman was 96, for God’s sake. She was royal, not immortal.
I have to say, I don’t understand the fascination with the British royals. I’m neither disgusted by nor scornful of them; I’m just confounded by the public’s obsession over a bunch of people with unearned billions and no real jobs.
And frankly, through the lens of today’s angry extremism and quickness to blame, I’m bewildered by the relative lack of resentment toward members of the royal family and the monarchy as a whole. I understand there are people who oppose the entire institution and question its continuing relevance. But those voices seemed nearly inaudible across the pond, where mobs of mourners waited in line for 12 hours to watch the old lady’s coffin pass by on the street.
No doubt my confusion comes from my own American, ethnocentric ways, and the lack of anything comparable to British royalty in this country.
I just don’t get it. The inflexible traditions and expectations. The relentless scrutiny and outrageous public criticism of the royals’ most private matters, the constant conspiracies and comparisons.
Perhaps the royal scrutiny and eagerness for scandal on the part of the British belies a yearning to connect with these people on a human level. Person to person, not monarch to subject.
I swear, it’s as if the commoners WANT the royals to screw up. They thrive on and devour every perceived or potential blunder. Remember Harry’s despicable Nazi costume and drunken antics? Everyone loved to hate him for it, and yet quickly forgave him, recalling a boy who had lost his mother.
Speaking of which, has no one learned anything since the death of Princess Diana? The press? The royal family itself? Does anyone worry that Princess Kate will endure the same? Apparently not. She seems above reproach. Like Mary Poppins, “practically perfect in every way.”
But for all good press comes an equal and opposite bad press reaction.
Enter Meghan Markle. Can any American blame this mixed-race woman for not understanding or embracing a medieval monarchy and all that it represents? Let’s not forget, Meghan Markle is not only a commoner (a rather insulting term in and of itself), but also a working American woman. Yes, an affluent, celebrity American woman, but a working commoner nonetheless. Princess Diana was at least British. She wasn’t born royal, but was at least familiar with the intricacies and idiosyncrasies of the monarchy. Markle must have been at times disgusted, disoriented, confused and of course bewitched by the pageantry, power and publicity.
Does the royal family have any true power in the British realms? Can it effect true change? Advance peaceful political progress? Other than through charitable donations and visits to children’s hospitals?
How much does the royal family pay in taxes? And is that considered income tax, considering they’re technically unemployed. Does no one in the UK question the obscene and unearned wealth afforded to these certain people who were somehow anointed by God eons ago to have dominion over others?
What makes them – or anyone – royal? They’re no better than anyone else. But don’t tell them that. What have any of them done to earn the crown, to deserve their wealth?
Not for 500 years has a king or queen truly ruled the kingdom. They don’t lead troops into battle. They don’t conquer lands or show benevolence to peasants and subjects.
These people are billionaires by birth.
Again, there’s nothing comparable in American society, so the matter is inexplicable to me.
Royals aren’t elected. They’re not chosen by the public. They’re spectacles, not people.
And yes, I understand, they have royal duties and make huge contributions to thousands of charitable endeavors.
But would this country tolerate such illegitimate wealth and celebrity? Never mind. Forget I asked. People still follow the Kardashians, which confounds me just as much.
But we’ll save that rant for another day.
