Here is something to mull over whilst taking time out from your whatever to enjoy a soothing cuppa your favorite tea. What is it about heirs to thrones and royal marriages and subsequent royal births that continue to have appeal in our world? I have a theory. But first, it’s good to see what others are saying.

Here are some comments found online:

• “It is nice for Britain to have a Monarchy, because it’s a symbol of the traditions and everything that represents Britain as a whole. It’s something that gives your nation a support and a continuity no matter what government or what situation the world is in.” — Roberto Perez, Vina del Mar, Chile
• “With a constitutional monarchy we have a head of state that is not tainted by the petty, trendy issue of current politics. They are the heart of national tradition and represent the core nature of the state. For all their human foibles, they are people we can respect and believe in. They are constant in a silly, over-political world.” — Kristian, Canada
• “The British monarchy is valued because it is the British monarchy. We are an old and complicated society that yields a deference to the theatrical show of society.” — from an article by Mark Easton that is worth reading in its entirety

Okay, now for my theory: fairy tales. Yep, fairy tales. We grow up with the idea of Prince Charming and Cinderella, of Snow White, of the Princess and the pea, and so on. We see the image, not the reality. We see something glittering and shiny and, at least in public, perfect. The massive expenditure on the coronation of Queen Elizabeth II, the hugely popular wedding of Prince Charles and Lady Diana Spencer that was watched worldwide, and now the almost manic fascination over the latest royal birth (an adorable little bundle) — they lift us out of the everyday and into that fairy tale world.

Sales of royal commemoratives are brisk, to say the least. And the birth of a baby boy who could be crowned King of England one day, even though that position is more pomp than power, is making them brisker. Sure we broke away from the royal apron strings over two centuries ago, but at this point we’re letting bygones be bygones and staying attentive to the glitz and glamour. I seriously doubt any of us here in the U.S. would want a monarchy, but we still thrill at a royal birthday (the Queen Mum turned 100 and the world celebrated with her), a royal visit, a royal wedding (and divorce), and of course a royal birth. That fairy tale image.

They are historic, traditional, and certainly entertaining even though a bit pricey.

Now, that is something that deserves a toast of the teacup!

See more of A.C. Cargill’s articles here.

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