In the spirit of political balance at this time, I think it's fair to say there is no great excitement about any of the possible outcomes of the general election...
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In the spirit of political balance at this time, I think it's fair to say there is no great excitement about any of the possible outcomes of the general election. Faith in politics is low, and the “don't know” candidate, forming a “don't know” government, for the “don't know” party would probably be the most popular, in a century. It's great irony therefore that the public figures for whom we have the most affection, are the ones we do not choose – namely the Royal family.
As the son of Irish immigrant parents, I'll be honest and say the idea of a monarchy is a little eccentric. A handful of genetic lottery winners, gifted untold riches, fame and privilege by accident of birth. But like many other aspects of British life, including our constitution, our judiciary and our parliament – it may look odd on paper - arcane, dusty and out of date, a bit MAD even, but it just works. Aside from a small rabble of dissenters, who would like a republic, the Royal family enjoy astonishing levels of popularity.
An IPSO poll, taken in May reveals that almost half of Britons believe that it would be worse for Britain in the future, if the monarchy was abolished. This is up from 38% in March. Any politician would only dream of these numbers.
As we saw during Queen Elizabeth's funeral, when Brits of all backgrounds went to Westminster to pay their respects, this ancient institution, enjoys widespread support.
Mark Dolan says the Royal Family is here to stay
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Even Holly Willoughby and Phillip Schofield did everything they could to catch a glimpse of the coffin.
And astonishingly, this rich and let's be honest not remotely diverse family, is incredibly effective, at bringing together and binding our diverse nation. And the reason why is history – in this increasingly transactional, commercial world, that's something you can't buy.
Republic gathered at The Mall to protest Trooping the Colour
PAFor those looking down their nose on the monarchy, perhaps they'd like to browse through photographs of the late Queen Mother, navigating the rubble of wartime London, offering support and words of understanding, for Brits whose homes had just been bombed out, during the Blitz. The Royal family have been the nation’s rock in peace and in war, and whatever we have been through as a country, the Royals have gone through it with us.
Most keenly reflected, in that image of the queen sat alone in a chapel – socially distanced - having just buried her husband Philip, in the height of the pandemic, and during those ludicrous lockdowns. Even our late great Queen, had to comply with the madness. And like any family, the Royals have to go through all of the same problems, as the rest of us. Yes they don't have to worry about the cost of heating their homes, putting food on the table and getting the very best medical care.
But as we’ve seen over the years, they two have battled family strife, brothers at war, disruptive sister-in-laws, dodgy uncles bringing embarrassment on the family, squabbles over who lives where, financial battles and births, marriages, deaths and divorce.
And of course, latterly ill health. If anyone was in any doubt of the relevance and importance of the Royal family to this country, that was quickly dismissed, with the instant and deep outpouring of concern, with the double nightmare of both King Charles and Princess Catherine's cancer diagnosis.
Royal fans gathered to see members of the Royal Family
PAWhich is why to see the return of Princess Catherine to the spotlight yesterday, and the king fulfilling his public duties was joyous, but bittersweet. It was a reminder of how loved they are and how important, but also a reminder, that they are mortal and tragically, continue to battle this serious disease. Last night a guest on the show – our brilliant US reporter Kinsey Schofield made a brilliant point
Cancer does indeed bring people together, and it's clearly had that effect on the Royal family, with Charles and his son William closer than ever and William and his wife Catherine still deeply, dizzyingly love.
But this double blow of Catherine and Charles being ill has brought the nation together too. Which is the default mechanism of our monarchy. For richer, for poorer, in sickness and in health, in good times and bad – this unique family represent and embody the nation – its values, its principles, its history. Given that an elected head of state would probably be a clapped out ex politician or celebrity – President Tony Blair, President Piers Morgan, President Gary Lineker.
Looking at the scenes yesterday, at the balcony in Buckingham Palace, a republic has never felt further away. In these divided times, when we’ve been split over issues like Brexit, the pandemic and now the election – the Royal family is above all that. It is devoid of tribal politics, it is a constant and it provides the bedrock and foundations of our nation. Politicians will come and go, but the royal family are here to stay.