Originally Posted by Ralath (Post 441050)

It depends. Long story short, the UK taxpayers do pay to support the Royal Family but the Royal Family pays more in taxes so it's a net positive.

The Queen has her own property as well and apparently, she still gets paid by the UK government for that. And, of course, investments.

Originally Posted by Ralath (Post 441010)

Not even past generations. Both her parents were flight attendants before they started their business. They're self-made millionaires, which I think is an important distinction.



While I agree that the UK probably wouldn't fall apart without the Royal Family, it's still an important part of their shared national history. And a lot of people do care about them, as evidenced by the 500,000 people who tried to get a glimpse of the balcony.
http://d.yimg.com/a/p/ap/20110429/ca...CKFgRihBhQ7A--
I had like 15 friends camp outside last night to get their seats.


And I don't agree that the Royal Family don't serve any purpose either. While they don't hold any formal power, they still serve as ambassadors, spokespeople, delegates, etc. A lot of countries have positions that are similar to the Royal Family: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Preside...entary_systems

I think the Royal Wedding was as much a private celebration of Kate and Will's wedding as a very public celebration of British pride.


Do you get Monday off for May Day?