Queen Elizabeth has passed away.

[Mr. Japan]

R.I.P. her majesty Liz.

A sad week end......but we go on.

God save the King.

[dominattorney]

Idk what to add to this conversation that would be legitimately productive. I've always thought the British monarchy to be foolhardy and outdated. That said, saddened by the passing of anyone who's made a go at helping in whatever way he or she deemed best. 

It's not like my country knows the secret to keeping everyone happy. 

[gustavehenne]

I think @Ken Gargett absolutely nailed it in the numerous posts here. I'm no monarchist and whilst I've attended a few garden parties and indeed met a few of the Royal Family at said events, I'd still on balance 'vote' to keep the monarchy especially with the current line of succession. If you threw Harry and Meghan into that I may change my mind.

@Fuzz made a wonderful point about the Crown Estate and the source of the Royals funds. It's without a doubt that they benefit from the public purse (security, upkeep of residences etc.) but they also do fund much work privately. The Royal Family undertake many public events that boost tourism to the UK and engage in events that drive direct and indirect investment to the UK. Buckingham Palace is used by the monarch but owned by the Crown Estate which isn't directly controlled by the monarch - whereas Sandringham, Balmoral etc. are private residences that are entirely paid for privately.

Referring to people as parasites - aside from it being rude and unnecessary - is untrue and one doesn't need to dig into a world of qualifications or data to understand that the Royals do bring benefit to the UK. I'd sooner have a sensible discussion on the shape of the monarchy than throwing names and cruel comments around.

Queen Elizabeth served her country with distinction over seven decades - something that she didn't choose to do and the vast majority of the population of the UK and the Commonwealth recognise and respect. She wasn't a parasite and in my view, was the best of what the UK has/had to offer. A true loss to the world.