OK, had time to ponder this now. I’m not a monarchist, or particularly a Republican, doesn’t make much difference to me whether we have an hereditary head of state or an elected one as long as the powers are similar. In terms of neutrality there may be advantages to the hereditary model, though the immense wealth the family has acquired and inherited, and the deference they are shown don’t sit easily with me. Might be offset by the tourism impact. Certainly nowhere near the top of the list of things in this country which need urgent attention.
However, Elizabeth II is undoubtedly the reason the monarchy in this country is still fairly robust, despite the best efforts of some of her offspring and their offspring to undermine it. Her obvious devotion to the role and the institution and her immense dignity was awe inspiring, and the sincere comments of many ordinary people and world leaders bear testament to that. In some ways I pity the royals - born into a role with no real choice - even if you walk away you never really escape as Harry is showing - a life bound by ritual, dressing up and handshaking, albeit a very comfortable one. Reminds me of Gormenghast, if anyone has read that. I suspect that my generation is one of the last which will really mind about this stuff. Certainly my kids (in their twenties) don’t have especially strong feelings.
More personally, when I was really young (between the ages of 2 and 6) we lived in Old Windsor, and we spent quite a bit of time in Windsor Great Park. We would often see royals in their land rovers or on horseback, especially the Queen and Princess Anne for the latter, and they would always return waves and smile. Was a buzz then and even now it resonates. Perhaps monarchy is hardwired in to some of the British psyche, even for cynical old gits like me.
I will miss her vague, distant but benign presence. Continuity and stability are not bad things, especially in current circumstances.
