Royal Wedding.

[DavidW]

+2 to that.

Considering everything going on in the world I really can't devote any brain cells to worrying about those cry babies.  Sorry brits on board.

[vandermolen]

+2 to that.

Considering everything going on in the world I really can't devote any brain cells to worrying about those cry babies.  Sorry brits on board.

No problem - I rather agree with you.

[Herman]

If I had it my way, I would disband the Royal Family, turn Buckingham Palace into a government building and make them all get real jobs. Could you imagine seeing the Duchess of Cambridge wait tables?

yes, totally.

[Stürmisch Bewegt]

Help me here, Brits, I'm not the brightest gem in the treasure chest of humanity.  But as subscribers to Brit Box, my wife and I are consistently impressed with what appears to be a genuine effort - at least on Telly - to be a more inclusive country.  Or is this programming literally and figuratively "just for show?"

[Herman]

The Royal Family business (including all the hangers-on and flunkies) is a different beast compared to the UK as a whole.

[vandermolen]

Help me here, Brits, I'm not the brightest gem in the treasure chest of humanity.  But as subscribers to Brit Box, my wife and I are consistently impressed with what appears to be a genuine effort - at least on Telly - to be a more inclusive country.  Or is this programming literally and figuratively "just for show?"

I'm biased but I think that, generally speaking, Britain is a tolerant and inclusive country and I'm happy living here, despite the many problems (Brexit, Harry and Meghan, Boris Johnson etc). Please do not judge the country on the (IMO) self-serving, comments of Meghan Markle. I also don't think that the Royal Family are racist despite the stupid question about the baby's likely skin colour.

[Stürmisch Bewegt]

Thank you, He Who Lives By a Mill; your "You Are There" perspective much appreciated.  To me, Harry and Meghan appear spoiled and overindulged and certainly not up to Royal tasks.  I have plum run outta sympathy for them. 

[Irons]

I'm biased but I think that, generally speaking, Britain is a tolerant and inclusive country and I'm happy living here, despite the many problems (Brexit, Harry and Meghan, Boris Johnson etc). Please do not judge the country on the (IMO) self-serving, comments of Meghan Markle. I also don't think that the Royal Family are racist despite the stupid question about the baby's likely skin colour.

Totally agree. I must admit being a tad surprised - I shouldn't be - at the even-handed response from far and wide on GMG. I feared a Brexit/Johnson style UK kicking but not at all. Balanced views well put and some relief that the rest of the world does not totally view this in *black and white terms. A disaster for the Royal family, and they know it. Meghan is now a superstar, but I fear for Harry in the long term.

Edit: *Unintentional pun!

[vandermolen]

Totally agree. I must admit being a tad surprised - I shouldn't be - at the even-handed response from far and wide on GMG. I feared a Brexit/Johnson style UK kicking but not at all. Balanced views well put and some relief that the rest of the world does not totally view this in *black and white terms. A disaster for the Royal family, and they know it. Meghan is now a superstar, but I fear for Harry in the long term.

Edit: *Unintentional pun!

Yes, I very much agree with your last point Lol.

[Irons]

Yes, I very much agree with your last point Lol.

There is some debate who said it Jeffrey but a saying made to measure here: Two nations divided by a a common language. In PR terms the "interview" is a disaster in the UK and a roaring success in the US. I thought the Palace response to the interview was measured and effective which took the heat out of a tricky situation, here anyway. Lets face it there are far more important things to worry about, not least the tragic event in South London.

[vandermolen]

There is some debate who said it Jeffrey but a saying made to measure here: Two nations divided by a a common language. In PR terms the "interview" is a disaster in the UK and a roaring success in the US. I thought the Palace response to the interview was measured and effective which took the heat out of a tricky situation, here anyway. Lets face it there are far more important things to worry about, not least the tragic event in South London.

I agree Lol that the Palace handled it well as did Kate for visiting the memorial to Sarah Everard and Prince William for pointing out to a shouted-out press question that the Royal Family are not racist.

[Florestan]

RIP Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh. He had multiple family connections to Mihai (Michael), the last King of Romania.

[vandermolen]

RIP Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh. He had multiple family connections to Mihai (Michael), the last King of Romania.

Interesting. He's been around all my life and it seems strange that he is now gone.

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-11437314

[Irons]

He had a good innings and losing a lifetime partner happens to 50% of us who are fortunate to have one. The Queen is altogether at a higher level though. A lifetime of service and devotion to a role thrust on her. Her favourite son has let her down badly and possibly favourite grandson too. Ninety four years old, alone and the genuine worry that what she has devoted her life for will end when she goes.   

[Pohjolas Daughter]

Interesting. He's been around all my life and it seems strange that he is now gone.

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-11437314

I can only imagine Jeffrey.

It's strange--and sad--for me too at this end.  On a personal level, it reminds me of my trips to the UK with my parents.  My dad was a bit of an anglophile and loved going there.  My last trip there was with him shortly before he died, so it also brings up family memories...visiting Buckingham Palace, going to the Tower, visiting the War Rooms, going to Chartwell, etc.  So bittersweet here.

He had a good innings and losing a lifetime partner happens to 50% of us who are fortunate to have one. The Queen is altogether at a higher level though. A lifetime of service and devotion to a role thrust on her. Her favourite son has let her down badly and possibly favourite grandson too. Ninety four years old, alone and the genuine worry that what she has devoted her life for will end when she goes.   

I feel for the Queen and her family.  I can only imagine how she's feeling--losing her husband and companion of 70+ years...not to mention that she'll be expected to maintain her dignity and composure when in public (like during the funeral).

His story is quite amazing and interesting.  I hadn't known very much about him.  The story on the BBC's website is quite good.  I'm not sure whether or not this is the same article that Jeffrey linked to or not as there are numerous ones there:  https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-10224525  I am sure that it must have been difficult for him to after only a few years together and happily working on his military career, to find out that things would now be radically changing with the death of her father (only in his early 50's).  His early life too was far from easy, but he 'got on with it' and figured out a role for himself within the royal family and without (helping children and animals, including co-founding what would become the World Wildlife Fund, and getting involved in and/or founding other charities).

PD

[Florestan]

Honesly, I don't understand why Charles is that vilified. Imho he'll be a decent, if not exceptional, king. Harry otoh is an unmitigated disaster and disgrace.

[Dry Brett Kavanaugh]

RIP Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh. He had multiple family connections to Mihai (Michael), the last King of Romania.

I liked his dry sense of humor, and he was my favorite person in the British royal family.

[vandermolen]

The BBC are doing him proud with all the schedule changed in tribute. Just listened to Elgar's Cello Concerto (Du Pre/Barbirolli) and listening to Vaughan Williams Symphony No.5 played in tribute - rather a good performance I think from Andrew Davis with (I suspect) BBC SO.

[vandermolen]

Honesly, I don't understand why Charles is that vilified. Imho he'll be a decent, if not exceptional, king. Harry otoh is an unmitigated disaster and disgrace.

I agree with you Andrei. Are you and your wife better now?

[vandermolen]

I can only imagine Jeffrey.

It's strange--and sad--for me too at this end.  On a personal level, it reminds me of my trips to the UK with my parents.  My dad was a bit of an anglophile and loved going there.  My last trip there was with him shortly before he died, so it also brings up family memories...visiting Buckingham Palace, going to the Tower, visiting the War Rooms, going to Chartwell, etc.  So bittersweet here.
I feel for the Queen and her family.  I can only imagine how she's feeling--losing her husband and companion of 70+ years...not to mention that she'll be expected to maintain her dignity and composure when in public (like during the funeral).

His story is quite amazing and interesting.  I hadn't known very much about him.  The story on the BBC's website is quite good.  I'm not sure whether or not this is the same article that Jeffrey linked to or not as there are numerous ones there:  https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-10224525  I am sure that it must have been difficult for him to after only a few years together and happily working on his military career, to find out that things would now be radically changing with the death of her father (only in his early 50's).  His early life too was far from easy, but he 'got on with it' and figured out a role for himself within the royal family and without (helping children and animals, including co-founding what would become the World Wildlife Fund, and getting involved in and/or founding other charities).

PD

Nice to hear about your visits to the UK with your dad PD. We don't live very far from Chartwell and my daughter loves going there. We have often met there and, of course, I have to pay for a 'slap-up' lunch (her expression) for her. I have also arranged school trips to both Chartwell and the War Rooms. On my daughter's 30th birthday I took her and her (now ex) American boyfriend to the War Rooms.
The news about Prince Philip is sad but I also heard of a tragedy today which rather puts things in perspective. The 28 year old wife (a medical doctor) of one of my school colleagues died, completely unexpectedly, over night, leaving three very young children (the youngest may not even be two years old). I'm finding Vaughan Williams's 5th Symphony, on the BBC, very appropriate and comforting listening this evening.