Originally Posted by
JamesWales
I have to say I've been rather taken aback the last few days. My general view on this is that in theory I'm a republican - any new society would be mad to set up a monarchy held by one family. However, in practice, I think an apolitical head of state is actually quite a calming influence on the country. I also just don't see what an elected one would bring to the table in the UK in 2022.
I have a pretty diverse range of friends and in the day or so before the queen died, loads of them were making little jokes, not taking it seriously, not so much laughing about it, but not being respectful either, and nor was I. I did wonder how it would all pan out, whether there was much of a genuine sense of loss etc.
Since then, I have been very impressed with the whole operation. I think Scotland looked absolutely beautiful when the queen was taken from Balmoral on sunday morning, and I found the whole thing quite captivating. Edinburgh yesterday looked one of the most stunning cities on earth, and it was broadcast around the world. It did make me proud to be honest and made this Cardiffian very jealous of the show Edinburgh put on.
We've talked about the right to protest, which people have and I totally defend, but I have also been struck by the lack of it. Both amongst aforementioned friends, but also on the processions and on twitter etc. I've just checked some Liverpool forums and the overriding belief is that the club and supporters should be very respectful tonight in the minutes silence.
In terms of a majority or minority, I don't know the answer, but like I said, I've been taken aback by the level of heartfelt respect shown to the queen and I don't think I realised the level of respect I had for her as a person if not the wider institution per se. I think the country has looked beautiful and I think it has helped bring people together a little if I'm honest.
I've found the TV coverage a bit OTT, but also of a very high quality and curiously captivating. I found Charles walking behind the coffin up the Royal Mile in Edinburgh yesterday very inspirational.
I dunno. Last week I thought it all seemed way OTT, now in the midst of it, I am quite liking some of the serenity, calm and respect it seems to have brought to public discourse. Maybe it was only the queen that could bring Nicola Sturgeon, Liz Truss, Drakeford etc all on the same page, but in her passing she seems to have done it and I welcome that.
I'd say my respect for the institution and our country has only gone up in the last week and speaking to people, I think that is the case for many.