christmas (tat) number 10 - lizzy

Hello, Judith. I don't tend to watch the Queen's speech, because I'm usually on the 3rd bottle of cava by then, and I can't decide which of the two tvs in the lounge to turn on. My husband (hey, I sound just like her, don't I?) likes to watch it if he remembers, but he's usually into the second bottle of single malt since Christmas Eve by then, so he usually forgets, and then watches the edited highlights (??) on the news. Yes, it's a waste of time and space, but they only really let her out of the basket once a year, and she probably enjoys it, so let her carry on with it. It gives Phil the Greek chance to grope a few of the waitresses in peace as well. Probably makes his Christmas!

Well it probably comes as no surprise to you that I am a royalist. I think the royal family played a very major role in making Britain Great. I know that over the centuries there have been good and bad, and possibly more bad than good, but the present Queen's parents and the earlier years of her own reign did much more for Britain than any other influence. They set a good example and the income derived through tourism more than paid for their expenses. I will admit that influence and their popularity is diminishing. While I am a royalist, I would have to counter that by adding that I do NOT believe the "list" should extend beyond the immediate family. I believe many people will still eagerly listen to the Queen's Christmas message and I daresay if there was a rating, she would surpass many of the alternatives shown on TV at the same time. I would listen to it, even though I don't normally watch TV, but those who don't want to hear it are not forced to do so. As in any other program on TV they can turn it off.

Why are you unkind? The monarchy in Britain has possibly saved the country from fates such as dictators such as Hitler, Mussolini and others coming to power and doeing their evil deeds. I think it is a fact that ordinary humans always want to look up to someone whom they perceive to be better or more perfect or shrouded in mystery. So I think the monarchy has its place and should be respected, I don't say revered but treated with respect. Here in Canada many people listen to the Queen's speech, since technically she is still the head of state represented by the Governor General. Personally I think without the monarchy Canada would slip quietly into being part of the United States. We also have a Prime Minister who usually gives a speech. In times of hardship, recession, unemployment and diminishing buying power people are looking for a message of hope and sometimes the illusion of better times to come.

whatever....

I dont watch it but, if it brings a bit of pleasure to traditionalists and royalists then let them keep it... live and let live, goodwill to all men and all that. We've all got an "off" switch. At least it doesn't go on for weeks on end, flooding all the channels and newspapers and ripping people off on phone-ins

You do love the queen, don't you LOL? I think President Obama's message will be short and gracious. I cannot vouch for the queen, so must take your word for it. I think she should pass the mantle, or....that the royalty chain should be linked into a historical circle, and laid to rest. It's rather past its prime. Karen

Hi JB I agree with you scrap it I do not listen to her speech ever as it is all a farce, it is not her words these words have been written for her and rehearsed so why bother if it does not mean anything at all anyway

hi jb ye old blue bunny For me it wou ld have to be either George Wya Bush or MAcClain either would give me the shivers for sure. I cannot stand either of them and their pompous overblown speech making. Christmas or not, no political speeches'from anyone thank you very much.

I think the Queen's speech is totaly irrelevant these days, about as believable as a Beauty Queen's dronings on how the world could be a better place if we all bought the right toothpaste and shopped at Marks and Sparks because thier bags are made of 0.002" thinner plastic to help the envoironment. What we really want to see is another rooftop concert at the palace by Bryan May with Lizzy and Phillip go-go dancing in flourescent pink leotards, --maybe not.