Long live the Queen?

I haven't been keeping exactly up to date on my blogging lately. I'd just like to point out that this isn't because I've finally succumbed to peer pressure and become the lazy student I was destined to be, but because I've been very busy, what with my moping around, sleeping from dawn till dusk, and doing my womanly duties from sandwich making to washing dishes. Obviously, I joke - as a woman, sandwich making isn't time consuming at all.

The reality is that I decided to try out my social skills and venture into the great outdoors, (which isn't that great, by the way), and spend an evening without my arse being glued to the sofa. So yes, I went out. I went out to the capital of Wales, (which is Cardiff, if you can't remember, or just don't know), to see the one and only Michael McIntyre.

Now, obviously, I spent my entire evening clutching my sides, hoping I hadn't cracked any ribs and complaining of aching cheek syndrome on both face and arse. If you have never had the privilege to see Michael McIntyre live, I thoroughly recommend it. Not only were the jokes hilarious, but the fact that some Welsh drunk decided to climb onto stage to find his partner in the crowd only made my night better and confirmed that Welsh people are the barmiest of them all. I have never been more proud to be Welsh than I was in that second. But that's for another blog. 

Sadly, I'm not writing this blog to glorify all that is Michael McIntyre, because I'm a very serious person who writes about very serious things in a very serious manner... Seriously. So, instead, I'm going to pick up on one of his jokes and embellish it in my own special way, (if you want to see the joke, buy the DVD in November and don't expect me to do all the work for you.) To my anti - royalist audience, prepare to hate me as I ask the question- Why are the monarchy so awesome?

The Queen and Prince Philip flanked by their four children, (who I didn't realise they had) : Prince Charles, Prince Andrew, Princess Anne and Prince Edward. 

So, 2012 has been an amazing year for the monarchy, hasn't it? We threw the Queen a party for sitting on her throne for an incredible sixty years, (mostly for our own enjoyment rather than hers, but never mind that), she went one better and threw herself out of a helicopter with James Bond, good ol' Charles and Camilla presented the weather, (which you must watch here ---> Any sign of reign? ) and we were introduced to a side of the monarchy that makes them seem more human, as opposed to their superhuman wealth. Seeing Kate Middleton with Prince William, Harry and his girlfriend who know one knows the name of, fraternizing with their subjects, just emphasised that the monarchy is already being passed down to a younger generation, as the Queens public appearances become few and far between, and the youth of Buck Pal, (doubt Liz will mind if I call it that), are increasingly seen socialising with the common wealth.

There are many reasons why I think the monarchy are amazing. Sure, some argue that they cost more than their worth out of the pocket of the average taxpayer, and that the Queen makes 'no difference' to Britain because she wields less control over the British public than parliament, Tesco's, Sky and Virgin media.

Le youth of Buck Pal. 

How can that possibly be true? The Queen and the Royal family are iconic to Britain! Other countries are green with envy because Liz and the crew are so awesome! Frankly, we Brits don't have much to be proud of, other than a good few medals in the recent Olympics and an industrial revolution that happened before my grandparents were even dreamed up. We aren't exactly rich at the moment, and personally, I find British history absolutely dire - I literally want to behead myself along with Anne Boleyn when someone mentions Britain post 1900s. But, that fact is that the monarchy is mostly what our history consists of. It has been a part of Britain for centuries and it essentially makes us who we are. I have never really considered myself to be British over Welsh, but when I watched the Royal Wedding, I could not have felt more unified with the UK. The Royal Family may be a hindrance to those who think that they present a stiff, upper lip image of being British, but fact is that we just don't mind. They fill us Brits with national pride. Let us enjoy at least one part of our heritage that doesn't involve Shakespeare or The Beatles without wondering where we went wrong.

 The Queen makes a massive contribution to Britain, even if we don't really notice it. Despite if you love or hate the government, you have to admit that Lizzie would do a much better job of running the country - elderly people tend to make resolving diplomatic issues much easier, with the promise of cookies and milk. Frankly, it would be a much more satisfactory way of preserving a head of state. It's a constant ruling which means there would be no need for elections every few years or referendums pouring in left. right and centre. To meet the Queen would be an honour. For me, meeting a Prime Minister representing a political party that express ideals different to my own, would not be an honour. The royals are free from political influence and therefore, they can rise above and represent us abroad to all colours of political views.

Despite what anti - monarchists say, I really do think that the Queen brings a hell of a lot of money into the UK through the tourism sector. The sense of ancient continuity and heritage is one of the main things that attracts the tourists to London. The Americans especially can't get enough of posing next to the Queen's Guard and frankly, neither can we. We love taking the piss out of those guys. You wouldn't find many tourists posing outside Number 10 Downing Street with a potted fern. The sad truth is that Prime Ministers are grey, boring and far too concerned with feathering their own nests. The government just doesn't instil the patriotism that the Royal Family do.

AWWHH! 

Plus, the Queen is so cute! I don't know about you guys, but I'm always awwhing to myself whenever she plods onto my TV screen with the Duke of Edinburgh whispering racist jokes in her ear, (he's such a sweetheart, bless him.)  You wouldn't catch me doing that if it were David Cameron, Nick Clegg or Ed Miliband.

I'll admit that having a hereditary head of state seems a bit archaic and undemocratic sometimes, and maybe some people get a little bored with it, but I'll bet what little cash I have in my bank that if any member of the royal family damaged our country in the future, or even abused their positions of power, (which they're far too polite to do), we would swiftly become a republic state, which would make a good Christmas present for my boyfriend. And because of that, we keep them in check and in return, they do the same. Point is, if it ain't broke, don't fix it. Simple as.