Divine right of kings (thread in LBN)

[Kolesar]

"Republic" group wants to remove the monarchy from England
http://www.democraticunderground.com/1002760979

[dmallind]

1. Bloody idiots - the monarchy has the best ROI in England

Why else would people travel to an inconvenient, expensive, crowded island with worse weather, less attractive scenery and poorer cuisine that mainland Europe has. and have to exchange their currency and drive on the other side of the road, if it were not also the best place for pomp and ceremony with a real continuous somewhat functioning royal family? And yet there is a multi-billion pound tourism industry, for the cost of a few dozens of millions.

The monarchy has bugger all power and little relevance, but it draws in the Japanese and American tourists a treat.

[OriginalGeek]

2. lol, that's true

I want to visit England and Scotland so badly I can taste it. Fuck, I want a kilt and to eat HAGGIS! And see me some royals.

I can promise if/when I get over there I will do all the most absolutely dumb touristy things that can be done. I love that crap! lol

[Anarcho-Socialist]

3. Would tourism cease if Britain got rid of its monarchy?

I doubt it. The most prolific tourist destination that is associated with the royals is Windsor Castle which comes in at #17 overall.

People also want to see Westminster, the British Museum, Stonehenge, Edinburgh Castle, Bath, St. Paul's, the Natural History Museum etc. It doesn't require a royal family to get the punters in.

France doesn't need a monarchy to get the tourists in to see Versailles.

[mr blur]

4. I doubt it, too. nt

[dmallind]

5. Cease? no. Diminish greatly? yes

Castles and museums can be found in more convenient and scenic places with better weather.

[Anarcho-Socialist]

6. I doubt that too

If that was the case, then Ireland would have a greatly diminished tourism sector would it not?

[Kolesar]

7. "The punters"

I would love to visit someday. Expensive lodging in London goes against my principles as a tightwad, though.