In the United States, political leadership and national family values reside in the White House in the person of the President, First Lady and their children. But in the United Kingdom, those roles are split up. The political leader, the Prime Minister, resides at No 10 Downing Street with his or her family, while the symbolic national family lives at Buckingham Palace, though technically speaking King Charles sleeps at Clarence House, but you get the idea. British Royals have demanding and defined jobs and their work is carefully scrutinized by the press and public. They are, essentially, glamorous fund-raisers for the charities they champion, which are many. Every year, they’re responsible for ensuring millions of pounds get into the coffers of hundreds of do-gooding organizations across the nation. They put in long hours for groups large and small and when Elizabeth II talked of duty, that’s mainly to what she referred. The Royals also account for millions in tourist funds to England. As one observer noted, “Take them away and you’re left with Belgium”. It’s equally true the Family Mountbatten-Windsor are wacky ballerinas. Here’s what I mean.
© 2024 John Oliver
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