"How many more times before the message gets home - THE CROWN ESTATE DOES NOT BELONG TO THE MONARCH. It belongs to the institution of monarchy, i.e the state (the Windsors' web site clearly states this). If the monarchy were to be abolished (and let's hope that it is - and soon) the crown estate would still belong to the state, who would enjoy the income from it and, no doubt, the employees would continue to be employed."

It isn't owned by the monarch or the state, it's owned by the Crown and run by the Crown Estate Commissioners who are appointed by the monarch. If the monarchy were to be abolished, there would be no Crown. The estate would doubtless be sold to the highest bidders, and they wouldn't be obliged to contribute all its profit to the treasury. It used to be owned by the monarch, but was exchanged for the Civil List sometime in the 18th century. Hence my offsetting one against the other.