- Joined
- Mar 2, 2013
- Messages
- 6,307
Coming from a place of self-admitted ignorance, only having watched a handful documentaries and binging on ‘The Crown’ I often wonder about the benefit of having/supporting a royal family (such as the Windsors) with tax dollars from a modern-day citizen’s perspective. I sort of understand the role the Queen plays with regard to U.K. and Parliament, but I don’t understand the tangible value that role brings and how that equates for everyday citizens to be worthwhile vs. having one true “head” of state. Same for other countries where it might be different somehow (e.g., “there for looks, not for function”?). In some regards, royal families come across to me (again, place of ignorance, so don’t shoot me) as glorified ambassadors - whether it’s in an official capacity visiting other countries, representing charities, attending to ‘grand openings’ and events, and the like, kind of how some of our celebrities in the U.S. are ... only they’re “self-funded” from their day jobs vs. tax dollars.
I’d be interested to learn from/read what those of you who live in countries with royal families perceive to be the pros/cons, and if you feel supporting them with tax dollars is indeed beneficial or wasteful. How is your country/society/etc. better off by supporting a Royal family? What other ‘purpose’ do they serve that you see/appreciate (or see and don’t appreciate) that those of us on the outside don’t see?
And just to be clear, I’m not trying to bash the concept of these roles or the individuals themselves; just learn/broaden understanding, etc.
I’d be interested to learn from/read what those of you who live in countries with royal families perceive to be the pros/cons, and if you feel supporting them with tax dollars is indeed beneficial or wasteful. How is your country/society/etc. better off by supporting a Royal family? What other ‘purpose’ do they serve that you see/appreciate (or see and don’t appreciate) that those of us on the outside don’t see?
And just to be clear, I’m not trying to bash the concept of these roles or the individuals themselves; just learn/broaden understanding, etc.