Fionn, we all know your politics, I have shown you respect in the past, but dont cheapen yourself with silly insults. I dont claim to be a highly educated person but I am not brainless sir. Our Royal Family is a living symbol of our culture and history. Continuation of the monarchy is vital to our culture and heritage. Since the Empire dissolved and became the commonwealth, we have retained all those multicultural ties with countries that are based on much more than simply shared history. There is a unique relationship within those ties that identifies and links us all through the crown if not by blood. The commonwealth has been a force for good in world politics. We are sharing together a bond that links us that has become a type of love and sharing between nations. I once met a African family in France, and had a great conversation; during which I was refered to as "our commonwealth brother" very touching indeed.