Royal Pomp-Public Dime

Royal Pomp-Public Dime

As published in the Ottawa Citizen & National Post: Feb. 21, 2011

British Prime Minister David Cameron plans to spare no expense in providing Kate and William with the pomp and ceremony of a lavish state wedding. He says the British people need a morale boost during these times of fiscal restraint. I have a better idea. Why doesn’t Prince Phillip follow tradition and finance the nuptials himself with a loan from the Queen? What a gracious and timely gift that would be. God knows the royals can afford to finance the privilege of presenting themselves as unique and superior beings separate from the general run of humanity. The Queen is the richest woman in the United Kingdom yet she and her family continue to shamelessly accept generous public subsidies and free housing. Both the expense and relevance of royalty are increasingly dubious. Long live the Queen – just don’t replace her.