If you didn’t know, GOTO: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/President_of_Germany
The recent death of Queen Elizabeth II has ended the second Elizabethan era. It has also resulted in a small increase in business for the village shop from me! Why? Because, following the Queen’s death I bought copies of the Daily Telegraph, the Daily Mail and the Guardian. This morning I repeated this act. Why? Because old newspapers reporting historic events are the sort of family heirlooms ordinary folk – like the thousands who queued through the night in freezing conditions and stood many rows deep to witness the funeral procession – have. They do not for insurance have the works of a certain Giovanni Antonio Canal (Canaletto) hanging on the walls of a guest bedroom! That is if they have a guest bedroom! I don’t! The Royal family however do!
It is this vast difference in net worth between the ruled and the rulers (albeit constitutional and de-facto [but not de-jure] ceremonial) that results in campaigning organisations such as “Republic”.
GOTO: https://www.republic.org.uk/
Arguing the case for the continuation of the monarchy has resulted in a very easy blog-post! This because “Republic” have kindly assisted me in setting out their own arguments!
GOTO: https://www.republic.org.uk/a_new_head_of_state
“Republic” want what is known as a ceremonial head of state. They want him or her directly elected by a popular vote. In effect, they want the UK to copy Ireland.
GOTO: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/President_of_Ireland
One of the most important jobs a political activist and campaigner has is to try and prevent colleagues and supporters from scoring an own goal! This by ensuring that statements are not made that would help the opposition!
Arguing the case for the British Monarchy is NOT difficult!
The most difficult thing is knowing where to start!
The FACT of the matter is this: That most republics have systems designed to take their own histories and political cultures into account. Since each country’s history and culture is different there are naturally a variety of systems!
The first argument is the most convincing and the shortest! It is, President [surname]! Insert your own choice Dear Reader! The nature of the UK’s democracy is that the political parties will dominate and have their own candidates. If you want an idea how a British President would be elected there is no need to go further than the country’s own Police & Crime Commissioner elections!
GOTO: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Police_and_crime_commissioner
It is likely that a President of the United Republic of Great Britain and Northern Ireland would be elected in exactly the same way as the PCCs with the whole nation forming one large constituency.
“Republic” have very helpfully scored an own goal! They suggest that the Speaker of the Commons shows how well the system would work. They point out the excellent The Right Honourable Sir
Lindsay Hoyle, PC the Member for Chorley. We agree that Sir Lindsay Hoyle would make a most excellent president! However we would point out that Sir Lindsay’s predecessor was none other than The Right Honourable John Bercow!
Oh Dear!
“Own goals” are most satisfying aren’t they?
Another argument those wanting a republic bring out is that of cost. They say that the monarchy is expensive. It is! However, it is one of this country’s “invisible exports”! “UK PLC” actually turns a healthy profit! Opening the Royal Palaces completely to the paying public would not make up the difference!
Now, one own goal is nice. Two own goals are nicer still!
One thing republicans fail to notice – or if they do they arrogantly assume that others will simply fall into line – is that His Majesty King Charles The Third is monarch of 15 Commonwealth realms – including the UK.
GOTO: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Commonwealth_realm
Now whilst a number of these independent sovereign states are reassessing their status and might well decide to become republics not all will! Therefore IF “Republic” got their way and the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland became the United Republic of Great Britain and Northern Ireland there is no guarantee that the other realms would follow. True, many would but not all!
I can imagine one realm in particular would would not: Federation of Saint Christopher and Nevis.
GOTO: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Saint_Kitts_and_Nevis
The Federation of Saint Christopher and Nevis is a well known – nefarious – tax haven! Offshore limited companies can be formed and their details are most secret. It would be very easy for a British monarch have their legal representative set up such a company. It need not have any significant assets. That it exists and has a bank account would be enough!
I am sure that the government of the Federation of Saint Christopher and Nevis would be delighted to welcome their monarch who would replace the Governor-General – who would doubtless receive a very generous redundancy package!
Leaving the best to last!
Perhaps the most convincing argument in favour of retaining the monarchy is Herr Frank-Walter Steinmeier himself! Most ordinary members of the public outside Germany would be unable to identify the German president. Queen Elizabeth II however was immediately recognisable by most humans on the planet!