the queen is dead

[Bhud]

I went up to Windsor today and it was jam-packed. Lots of people wandering around, lots of road closures, etc. Shame about some of the volunteer force out on patrol though. Most of them were cool and respectful, others clearly had issues. The actual funeral was taking place in Windsor Racecourse, which is what you can see on the TV. However, there were throngs of people in Windsor high street and Eton. Not really an upbeat or downbeat atmosphere - seemed kind of off. Lots of young families spending a day out, although some of them were wearing black. This was one occasion where you could leave your bike anywhere and just walk, as there were police lining the streets everywhere. One guy sitting on a bench looked morose. There was a dude who'd brought along an upright piano and was playing what I think was his own compo on the bridge, and this was causing a blockage as people who looked like Youtubers were standing there filming. Very confusing roads situation.

[M.C]

[Ste]

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[Kawasaki Jimbo]

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[M.C]

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Sorry M.C, think I must be tired, not really following this too well.
Let me make myself clear: I do not think that the Commonwealth is an "Empire", although many countries elected to be a part of it when the empire was 'dissolved'. That's where the similarities come from. Many other countries have since joined, some that were never part of the old empire, and some have left. It is not a static thing, and countries are freely able to choose if they want to remain or not.

If countries, once free of the "British yoke" elected to be in the Commonwealth, you have to think that British rule can't have been too bad, unlike many another empire the world has seen.

If you think I suggested we should cut the cords completely ourselves, then perhaps I did not make myself clear. Plus, sometimes my sarcastic streak gets the better of me, which might not help
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[M.C]

[Polarbear]

Say whatever you want about Britain but we do pagentry better than anyone else.

Today was an epic spectacle.
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Triumph Trophy Launch Edition

[Bhud]

HM QE2 stood for stability. The years of the late 20th century were interesting times, and they've only got more interesting in the 21st century. The UK has gone down the rabbit hole of fortress/little island politics, and this hasn't worked. Nothing was achieved - not the Rwanda thing nor any special trade deals with the rest of the Anglo world. Rising powers in the world have significant leverage in Britain now (probably because they think they can't afford not to play the game). Riding the tiger... The problems of the 21st century will be solved by technology not by politics, and as for the diplomatic leverage of this country and its diminishing importance, situations and events will only get more and more extreme. Personally, I don't think we've even seen a hint of how this will pan out, but we will. I have a feeling that the golden years are behind us, and as water always finds its level, tumultuous upsets may occur. The Caribbean nations will probably divest from all association with the Commonwealth and with the Crown. Least of anyone's worries. To be frank, they're best left alone to get on with it. Interesting times.

[M.C]

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People turned out for Winston Churchill and Ghandi's funeral looked quite something from the photos.

BTW I think the average reign for British monarchs is <20 years. Liz 2 and Vicky were anomalies as was Liz 1. In contrast Dick 3 lasted a couple of years and his nephew, poor old Eddie 5 only technically king for a few months
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[M.C]

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[Ribenapigeon]