Tayla Posted May 1, 2011 Share Posted May 1, 2011 That was Camillas granddaughter Eliza ( the 3 year old) that was part of the bridal party. Thats why she seemed attentive to her. Link to post Share on other sites
Taramere Posted May 1, 2011 Share Posted May 1, 2011 (edited) You know that car ran on bio fuel, no gas wasted. How anyone could want to abolish such great role models for Britain and the rest of the world is beyond me. You know how we have gender "wars" here? How the thing that's almost always at the root of them is an individual's personal unhappiness which they're attempting to create a sociological issue out of? It's the same with the anti-royalist thing. People who have a deep-rooted sense of inferiority and anger, and need to find some outlet for it. Most people I know are happy enough to have a royal family. It costs each taxpayer about 61p each per year. If we didn't have the Queen, we would have to appoint a head of state - an office separate to that of the Prime Minister. As other European states without a monarch have. Invariably these presidents end up costing more than a monarchy does. Non royalty playing at being royalty is, essentially, more costly than the real thing. I saw a thread in another forum, where American posters were bitching about the cost of the wedding to the UK taxpayer...but really, the cost was neglible when you compare it to the cost of Obama's inauguration. http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2009/jan/14/barack-obama-inauguration-cost Carole Florman, spokeswoman for the joint congressional committee on inaugural ceremonies, told the New York Daily News, which estimated the cost at $160m: "We're always very budget conscious. But we're sending a message to the entire world about our peaceful transition of power, and you don't want it to look like a schlock affair. It needs to be appropriate to the magnitude of events that it is." Ex Prime Minister Blair and his wife. They never stinted themselves. When New Labour came to power, their friend the Lord Chancellor went wild with the state credit card http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk/politics/61665.stm Bear in mind those are prices from 14 years ago. The principle expounded by Animal Farm is alive and well. I agree with you that it would be foolish for Britain to abolish the monarchy, only to install something like Tony and Cherie Blair into Buckingham Palace. Politicians playing King and Queen at considerably more expense, on account of their fear of not being taken seriously as heads of state if they don't spend crazy money. Edited May 1, 2011 by Taramere Link to post Share on other sites
pureinheart Posted May 1, 2011 Share Posted May 1, 2011 I think Cherie Blair isn't a big fan of the royal family....and they're probably not fans of hers, after she shared with the nation the news that baby Leo was conceived during a visit to Balmoral because she was too embarrassed to take contraceptives there. Gordon Brown wasn't invited either, but that's probably because they didn't want his dour face there. More on point, neither the Blairs nor the Browns are personal friends of the royal couple as far as I know. I think generally because it wasn't a state wedding (William not being first in line to the throne) the couple were determined to limit the numbers of politicians attending...and wanted it to be more about friends, people working for the charities the prince is connected with etc. Due to long standing connections with royals from other nations, there would be a definite social obligation to invite them....but Sarah Ferguson didn't get an invitation...though her two daughters were there with Prince Andrew. They probably bowed to pressure to have the current PM and leaders of the opposition, and also leaders from Commonwealth Countries...but you'll note that they didn't invite the Obamas, the Sarkozys and other political heads of state. They did invite two past PMs of the UK. John Major - because he was appointed in some sort of guardian role over Princes Harry and William when they were kids, and Margaret Thatcher because she is a Lady of the Garter. Blair and Brown haven't been awarded the order of the garter, and I doubt they ever will be. I don't know that the two of them would have received invitations even if it had been a state wedding. Probably not. It is my understanding that early on in the Obama Administration gifts were exchanged between administrations and Obama gave less than a worthy gift fitting of England...in fact it was meant to be a slap in the face to our mother country. If what I heard was the truth, I am truly embarrassed. Link to post Share on other sites
Citizen Erased Posted May 1, 2011 Share Posted May 1, 2011 It is my understanding that early on in the Obama Administration gifts were exchanged between administrations and Obama gave less than a worthy gift fitting of England...in fact it was meant to be a slap in the face to our mother country. If what I heard was the truth, I am truly embarrassed. He's also not bothered to step foot in Australia. Allies are funny things, kiss their arse when they're needed, give them DVD's when you don't... Link to post Share on other sites
pureinheart Posted May 1, 2011 Share Posted May 1, 2011 OB, this is a beautiful thread...thank you. I loved watching their wedding, seeing the patriotism, the happy people cheering...all of it was simply breathtaking and very encouraging. I really see Princess Di in Prince Charles and he was so sincere and humble. I watched his facial expressions when the seriousness of the wedding vows were being spoken to him and Kate and he had such deep expressions of sincerity...just fabulous. Long live the Queen.... Link to post Share on other sites
pureinheart Posted May 1, 2011 Share Posted May 1, 2011 He's also not bothered to step foot in Australia. Allies are funny things, kiss their arse when they're needed, give them DVD's when you don't... Australia is a beautiful nation with beautiful people...that saddens me greatly to hear that CE. Thank you for confirming what I had thought I heard about the DVD thing...England gave us a very thoughtful gift. Please know that that is not the sediment of the American people...at least not this one:o Link to post Share on other sites
anne1707 Posted May 1, 2011 Share Posted May 1, 2011 Please know that that is not the sediment of the American people...at least not this one:o Please tell me you meant to say "sentiment" Link to post Share on other sites
Taramere Posted May 1, 2011 Share Posted May 1, 2011 It is my understanding that early on in the Obama Administration gifts were exchanged between administrations and Obama gave less than a worthy gift fitting of England...in fact it was meant to be a slap in the face to our mother country. If what I heard was the truth, I am truly embarrassed. Obama is generally portrayed here as somebody who doesn't like Britain, for personal and historic reasons that are fairly understandable. As a state leader, and given that the UK is a US ally, it's incumbent upon him to put his personal feelings to one side and put state/diplomatic interests to the forefront. Perhaps, though, he feels it's also politically advantageous for him to create a sense of distance between the US and Britain. The Queen has invited him and Michelle Obama for a state visit next month. I have every confidence that any gaffes or studied avoidance of protocol will be handled elegantly and discreetly by the Palace. Link to post Share on other sites
Taramere Posted May 1, 2011 Share Posted May 1, 2011 (edited) He's also not bothered to step foot in Australia. Allies are funny things, kiss their arse when they're needed, give them DVD's when you don't... What happened to the trip he was supposed to make to Indonesia and Australia last year? I know he cancelled a Spring trip at the last moment, but I thought the trip was supposed to be rescheduled in June? It's a big deal cancelling state trips, given all the effort and expense nations put into planning for them. There are definite advantages to a monarchy. One of them is that they're able to focus on their diplomatic role, rather than having to put it to one side to focus on political issues. Plus, they're great at pageantry as Friday proved once again. Edited May 1, 2011 by Taramere Link to post Share on other sites
Author OpenBook Posted May 1, 2011 Author Share Posted May 1, 2011 You know that car ran on bio fuel, no gas wasted. How anyone could want to abolish such great role models for Britain and the rest of the world is beyond me. Yes, they said it was a green wedding (well I liked the trees in Westminster Abbey!) and they were also careful to ensure everything was "Made In England" - the biofuel was made from a winery in... Wilshire I think they said? Well done. I have to give a lot of credit there to Prince Charles's influence, he has long been a patron of environmental conservatism, and runs several organic farms if I'm not mistaken. Link to post Share on other sites
Author OpenBook Posted May 1, 2011 Author Share Posted May 1, 2011 Obama is generally portrayed here as somebody who doesn't like Britain, for personal and historic reasons that are fairly understandable. ??? That's a new one on me. What has Britain done to him?? As a state leader, and given that the UK is a US ally, it's incumbent upon him to put his personal feelings to one side and put state/diplomatic interests to the forefront. Perhaps, though, he feels it's also politically advantageous for him to create a sense of distance between the US and Britain. Well, if that's the way he feels, then he would be DEAD WRONG. WTF??!? I'm going to have to do some Googling here... The Queen has invited him and Michelle Obama for a state visit next month. I have every confidence that any gaffes or studied avoidance of protocol will be handled elegantly and discreetly by the Palace. And I've got my fingers crossed the Obamas will keep their arms to themselves this time. I hate it when touchy-feely people whom I just met, try to lay PDA's on me. And I'm just a lowly commoner. Link to post Share on other sites
Taramere Posted May 1, 2011 Share Posted May 1, 2011 ??? That's a new one on me. What has Britain done to him?? http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/world/africa/article5276010.ece On a different note (and because I don't want to keep filling your happy thread with political stuff) did you see this? Link to post Share on other sites
Citizen Erased Posted May 1, 2011 Share Posted May 1, 2011 Australia is a beautiful nation with beautiful people...that saddens me greatly to hear that CE. Thank you for confirming what I had thought I heard about the DVD thing...England gave us a very thoughtful gift. Please know that that is not the sediment of the American people...at least not this one:o Yes well, we refused to send more soldiers to Afghanistan and he seemed to not bother after that... That's nice to hear. What happened to the trip he was supposed to make to Indonesia and Australia last year? I know he cancelled a Spring trip at the last moment, but I thought the trip was supposed to be rescheduled in June? It's a big deal cancelling state trips, given all the effort and expense nations put into planning for them. There are definite advantages to a monarchy. One of them is that they're able to focus on their diplomatic role, rather than having to put it to one side to focus on political issues. Plus, they're great at pageantry as Friday proved once again. Canceled. And not for the first time either. March was pushed back to June, then the oil spill happened. That of course completely understandable. But instead of visiting here while he was in Asia late last year, didn't bother. And no current plans. It's very easy for us to see where he stands. Had the nerve to push for us to send more soldiers to Afghanistan though, of course. They do their job, that's for sure. And I don't think any country can do pageantry as they continue to. Link to post Share on other sites
Author OpenBook Posted May 1, 2011 Author Share Posted May 1, 2011 http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/world/africa/article5276010.ece Oh. Oooohmmph. Mmmhhh. I see. That's... not good. On a different note (and because I don't want to keep filling your happy thread with political stuff) did you see this? Yes I saw that! Loved it!! :bunny: Link to post Share on other sites
TaraMaiden Posted May 1, 2011 Share Posted May 1, 2011 Give me that kind of 'solemn reverence' any day! That was so cool!! Link to post Share on other sites
Taramere Posted May 1, 2011 Share Posted May 1, 2011 (edited) Oh. Oooohmmph. Mmmhhh. I see. That's... not good. No. Horrendous stuff his grandfather went through, and certainly one of the more shameful aspects of my country's recent history. My feeling about any hostility Obama might have towards my country is that although it makes me doubtful that his presidency is particularly great for relations between our two countries, I understand why he would be hostile - and I think it's best for British state figures to respond with a sort of cautious tolerance. The royals tend to be good at that kind of thing. Firstly, because for a long time now they've been distanced from policy decisions by the government. If they were ever to put up serious opposition (to, for instance, a decision to go to war), it would be the end of them. They know it, and everybody else does. Secondly, they can shrug off being slighted by a foreign head of state and respond to it with grace, because it doesn't impact upon their status in the UK. They can make friendly overtures to the American president, but a relationship with him isn't crucial to them. For politicians it's far more serious. Gordon Brown, for instance, wasn't popular anyway. When he was endlessly snubbed by Obama it made him look like a total fool. People felt sorry for him, of course, but public pity doesn't tend to help politicians out careerwise. By the way, have you ever read "On Royalty" by Jeremy Paxman? I know you're an avid book-reader, and if you're interested in Royalty I think you'd really enjoy it. Paxman is a renowned journalist/tv presenter here. Very caustic, and the terror of politicians on the left, on the right - and anywhere in between. "On Royalty" was his attempt to determine what the point of Royalty was. It's pretty entertaining. Edited May 1, 2011 by Taramere Link to post Share on other sites
pureinheart Posted May 1, 2011 Share Posted May 1, 2011 (edited) Please tell me you meant to say "sentiment" It was late last night...prime for typos:o...thanks for the heads up! Edited May 1, 2011 by pureinheart Link to post Share on other sites
pureinheart Posted May 1, 2011 Share Posted May 1, 2011 Please correct me if I'm wrong, although Englands tune for the National Anthem (lyrics different) is the same as ours (US)? I think this is not too much off topic, as I noticed this watching the Royal Wedding. My history, geography and most current events (not to mention spelling) all suck and I am playing catch up now that there is more time in my life:) Link to post Share on other sites
pureinheart Posted May 1, 2011 Share Posted May 1, 2011 No. Horrendous stuff his grandfather went through, and certainly one of the more shameful aspects of my country's recent history. My feeling about any hostility Obama might have towards my country is that although it makes me doubtful that his presidency is particularly great for relations between our two countries, I understand why he would be hostile - and I think it's best for British state figures to respond with a sort of cautious tolerance. The royals tend to be good at that kind of thing. Firstly, because for a long time now they've been distanced from policy decisions by the government. If they were ever to put up serious opposition (to, for instance, a decision to go to war), it would be the end of them. They know it, and everybody else does. Secondly, they can shrug off being slighted by a foreign head of state and respond to it with grace, because it doesn't impact upon their status in the UK. They can make friendly overtures to the American president, but a relationship with him isn't crucial to them. For politicians it's far more serious. Gordon Brown, for instance, wasn't popular anyway. When he was endlessly snubbed by Obama it made him look like a total fool. People felt sorry for him, of course, but public pity doesn't tend to help politicians out careerwise. By the way, have you ever read "On Royalty" by Jeremy Paxman? I know you're an avid book-reader, and if you're interested in Royalty I think you'd really enjoy it. Paxman is a renowned journalist/tv presenter here. Very caustic, and the terror of politicians on the left, on the right - and anywhere in between. "On Royalty" was his attempt to determine what the point of Royalty was. It's pretty entertaining. So the Royals cannot declare war, they simply carry it out? What I saw with the Royal Wedding was a LARGE group of people conducting themselves in a very civilized manor, having a great time. With all of the craziness in this world THIS was good to see...now on a sad note...Japans disaster, we saw the very same thing...people going through hell on earth, yet conducting themselves in a very becoming manor...the same with the service at the Staples Center in Los Angeles for Michael Jackson. The police in LA were ready and expected a mob-type event, but quite the opposite. I was compelled to watch the Royal Wedding, and really felt I was entering simply by watching something more than what meets the eye, meaning yes I am watching a "Royal" Wedding, although something much more felt like it was taking place...on a personal level as well as a National, if not world level. Did anyone else feel this way? With so much negativiity in the world this gave my soul healing. Link to post Share on other sites
Lishy Posted May 1, 2011 Share Posted May 1, 2011 Our Royal family are a national Institution and to listen to the disrespectful comments on here makes me want to get sick into my own mouth! Our Royal Family behave with dignity and respect and watching that wedding made me even more proud to be British! Kate is absolutely beautiful and she looked amazing, graceful, dignified and classy and they look so in love All I can say to you disprespectful yanks is SHOW SOME RESPECT and don't be so jealous that we know how to do it with style!! Link to post Share on other sites
Taramere Posted May 1, 2011 Share Posted May 1, 2011 So the Royals cannot declare war, they simply carry it out? Well, traditionally there are strong links between the monarchy and the armed forces. The armed forces here fight in the name of Queen and country. Most Royals will spend a period of time serving in some capacity in the armed forces - but they don't lead campaigns or make decisions about going to war. I was compelled to watch the Royal Wedding, and really felt I was entering simply by watching something more than what meets the eye, meaning yes I am watching a "Royal" Wedding, although something much more felt like it was taking place...on a personal level as well as a National, if not world level. Did anyone else feel this way? For me, it was a bitter-sweet feeling. In our modern, cynical times it is impossible to revive an institution like that once it's thrown away. Yet I feel certain that at some point in the next few decades, Britain will mock itself out of having a monarchy. I don't think we will gain anything meaningful as a result of throwing away such a defining and historic aspect of our culture. Our Royal family are a national Institution and to listen to the disrespectful comments on here makes me want to get sick into my own mouth! Our Royal Family behave with dignity and respect and watching that wedding made me even more proud to be British! Kate is absolutely beautiful and she looked amazing, graceful, dignified and classy and they look so in love All I can say to you disprespectful yanks is SHOW SOME RESPECT and don't be so jealous that we know how to do it with style!! I'm surprised you'd see it like that, Lishy. I thought most of the American comments have been very polite and kind. I know Johan made a sex joke, and I (as a Brit, who is pro-monarchy) made one back. That's just a joke about the element of voyeurism in the public that the Royal Family, and celebrity generally, brings out though. Link to post Share on other sites
Author OpenBook Posted May 1, 2011 Author Share Posted May 1, 2011 What I saw with the Royal Wedding was a LARGE group of people conducting themselves in a very civilized manor, having a great time. With all of the craziness in this world THIS was good to see.... something much more felt like it was taking place...on a personal level as well as a National, if not world level. Did anyone else feel this way? With so much negativiity in the world this gave my soul healing. Beautifully put, PIH. I felt the same. Along with a huge mixture of very personal emotions for Wills and Kate - grief and longing for Diana, protectiveness and worry about their life together, joy at watching their friends & family's happy faces (I remember seeing a LOT more tension in people's faces during Charles & Diana's wedding - went back & watched some of it on YouTube this weekend to confirm - yup, definitely a different vibe there). And of course it was a doggone GORGEOUS wedding to watch!!! All I can say to you disprespectful yanks is SHOW SOME RESPECT and don't be so jealous that we know how to do it with style!! The people should always have the right to speak their mind, Lishy, even if they're dead wrong. Another bridge that we share "across the pond." Link to post Share on other sites
Author OpenBook Posted May 1, 2011 Author Share Posted May 1, 2011 By the way, have you ever read "On Royalty" by Jeremy Paxman? I know you're an avid book-reader, and if you're interested in Royalty I think you'd really enjoy it. Paxman is a renowned journalist/tv presenter here. Very caustic, and the terror of politicians on the left, on the right - and anywhere in between. "On Royalty" was his attempt to determine what the point of Royalty was. It's pretty entertaining. Thanks for the recommendation Taramere, I'll look that one up. Link to post Share on other sites
Star Gazer Posted May 1, 2011 Share Posted May 1, 2011 I feel like I go to a wedding every few weeks... well, that's because I do. I'm left teary-eyed every time, I love how personal couples make it, especially because these days all my friends say their own vows. What kinda bothered me about the Royal Wedding was the lack of visible emotion during the ceremony. They looked so stoic. I'm sure they're *supposed* to behave like that, and I know there's a lot of tradition wrapped up in the whole thing that prevents them from making it too personal, but it was actually a little uncomfortable for me to watch. The best part was seeing William whisper to Kate when he first saw her. But other than that, I was left feeling a little ... I dunno how to express it. Link to post Share on other sites
Author OpenBook Posted May 1, 2011 Author Share Posted May 1, 2011 What kinda bothered me about the Royal Wedding was the lack of visible emotion during the ceremony. They looked so stoic. I'm sure they're *supposed* to behave like that, and I know there's a lot of tradition wrapped up in the whole thing that prevents them from making it too personal, but it was actually a little uncomfortable for me to watch. Yes, the English are famous for their stoicism and attention to protocol. One of the things I admire about them actually. A split-second raising of the eyebrow carries a lot more weight over there than it does here in let-it-all-hang-out America. Their emotions are the same as ours, it's just expressed a lot more subtly. Link to post Share on other sites
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