Murray, wealth in itself doesn't bother me. What bothers me in this case is who pays for the wealth. I am not clear on anything but I was under the impression that they get vast incomes from the state.

Usefullness of a so called "head of state" also bothers me.

Perhaps someone will explain to me but I see constitutions mentioned. It there any evidence to suggest the the US fairs any worse than us or has constinntional problems tht could be resolved by the introduction of a monarchy?

Can someone explain to me what they really do in political terms. I struggle with the fact that the same "Majesty" had the left wing government of the 70's and Maggie for example.

The other questions of usefullness seem to me to centre around money. Tourinsm for example is cited as being a usefull purpose, yet taking this thread as an example, I have seen one "make no difference" and no other comment - is that really representative of how useful they are in that respect? If they really are that good, perhaps we should consider letting the tourist industry pay for thier marketing - the royals apparently would be better off.

Jon