Australian here. We get a public holiday too since we're part of the Commonwealth.
At this time, I feel for her family as they will be grieving because they lost a family member. They would have known it was coming given the Queen's age, but she was still family to them. However, I have to say that I wonder what the royal family are for. What do they even contribute to our lives?
In the 90s, we had something here called a Referendum. The public voted to see if we should remain part of the British Commonwealth or become a republic. Of those who voted that we should remain a monarchy, some said they voted to stay because they weren't confident that our government had told them what would change if we became a republic. Of the others who voted to stay, they were legit monarchists. In all honesty, I felt the whole voting thing was poorly handled.
When I look at my family tree, I have a lot of royal blood, about 10 generations ago. Lots of nobility too. I'm far removed from that now and pretty fkn poor. But, especially in this day and age, I don't understand the point of royal families. I'm also half Dutch. What do they even do for us? I have more respect for those who've actually achieved something under their own steam. They turn up and cut a ribbon somewhere and we're supposed to be grateful that they showed up. I do think the Invictus Games are a brilliant idea, but that's about all they've contributed, I feel. Anyone can raise awareness for a cause or a charity, why just them? Why does something suddenly only become important because they showed up.
What makes me laugh are the number of people I've met in wealthier suburbs of Melbourne and Sydney who aspire to emulate the British Royals, in conduct, speech, style of dress, etc, as though they are the gold standard that we should all follow. How many scandals have there been? And, for some pretty nasty shit too. I think of all those people I've met who so proudly cling to the idea that they are like the royals in speech and dress, looking down on others. I laugh at them. The royal family are not the gold standard.
Charles has proven himself to be a bit of a selfish prick. If we have to have a king, hand the crown to William.
If it wasn't for the neverending stormy weather, where I live, every time there's a long weekend we have a town packed with visitors and people camping in the forest. A bit of a ghost town at the moment under the threat of roads closed to potential flooding.
The royal family lost a family member whom I never knew and just have heard stories of the Queen barking at people to shut up if they spoke for more than 5 minutes. The visitor was supposed to be grateful that she even took the time to be rude to them. We all come into the world in the same way and we all leave it the same way. Her money and supposed importance are not going with her. I've worked in community services (welfare) and would rather bat for the little guy, than hold up some idea that a title gives someone more importance.
) is something that seems so foreign to me. I'm not saying I wouldn't play, just I think sleeping would be better & I just find it hard to believe as well that people can enjoy life. Also, I do believe that almost anything in life positive is taken away at some point simply because someone is enjoying it.
