It is full of interesting nuances, Carol, but you are triggering neurons deep in my memory banks, which seem to be have some plaque, or cholesterol, that needs to be shaken off.

Leeder speaks for me in most respects. I don't have the time to write the following eloquently (or sensibly.) In the past fifty years of relative peace, prosperity, and slothfulness, the monarchy has not really been tested. It has lain dormant, largely as a tourist attraction. But, I do enjoy the concept of the monarchy as a back up source of inspiration should the policiticans really, really screw up. Witness King Juan Carlos, Spain, 1981. I perceive Elizabeth II as a woman of strength, dignity and durability. Sure it sounds comical, and of course no one who knows me 3D is aware of this respect for her, but this latent source of power probably exists elsewhere, barely detectable, among my Commonwealth brethren. Again, never forget Juan Carlos. I wish there were a visible viable successor to QE II.

After this true confession, for which I am prepared for ridicule, I should point out that my willingness to be a subject of QE II does not have any application to you Brit tourists and immigrants. (Canada is not a dominion.)

Vive le Quebec libre. Vive le BC libre. Long live the Queen.

(Yes, I'm a bit of a kook: I don't speak for Leeder.)