(Figure) head of State?

The Queen's Golden Jubilee celebrations have sparked furious debate on our message board on the nature of the monarchy. Do you support the Queen or would you like to see a republic? Find out what other iVillagers have to say...

The Queen's Jubilee
The Queen's Golden Jubilee will be marked by an extra bank holiday on Monday 3rd June 2002. The Spring Bank Holiday, which had been due to fall on 27 May, will move to Tuesday 4 June to allow four days of celebrations. Prime Minister Tony Blair has described it as a 'joyous occasion and a very special milestone.'

But do iVillagers agree?

Calls for a republic

  • 'I think we should mark that dreadful woman's 50th year with a widespread campaign for a republic, and an end to the public antics of her ridiculous family,' says Thomasina, a regular member of the Politics Today message board, who obviously doesn't agree with Blair. 'The Royal Family is a fundamentally undemocratic institution, with tremendous prestige, wealth and power in this country, and for what reason? None other than a bizarre form of inheritance (which excludes Catholics and, where possible, women) and ensures that a privileged minority hold sway over the rest of us in the name of tradition.'

  • 'I think the monarchy is unnecessary - it doesn't fulfil any meaningful functions in terms of governance so I'd be in favour of a republic. At the same time I don't wish the Queen herself any ill. I think she's done her best but I think we should scrap it. I actually feel a bit sorry for her; apparently she doesn't really want any fuss made because she thinks people aren't keen. I think we should just let the monarchy die when she does.'
    Alice

    Did you know?
    Calling for the establishment of a republic in print is actually against the law, punishable by life imprisonment. No one has been charged under the Treason Felony Act 1848 for 123 years, but the threat still stands. So much so that the Guardian newspaper is currently mounting a legal challenge to the act, arguing that it violates article 10 of the European convention on human rights - the right to free speech. The paper wants the act to be amended to allow it to campaign for the establishment of a republic by peaceful means.

  • Over the page: Support for the monarchy

    Support for the monarchy
    Many iVillagers expressed support for the Queen, although in the words of one iVillager: 'So many issues are decided by how ghastly the alternative is in comparison.' Many posters weren't so much in support of the monarchy as they were against the idea of a republic.

  • Says Tollysmum: 'The Queen is a reassuringly permanent person and a symbol. Republicanism in the UK always seems so grumpy and personal - I have never come across a republican burning with a passion to elect a president, or even one who had a good suggestion for an alternative head of state. Republicans can only think of being rude and unpleasant about people they have never met and know nothing about. Let the Queen be. She does what she does pretty well on the whole.'

  • 'After the Jubilee celebrations I think the Queen should abdicate and let Charlie get on with the job of restoring the Royal Family's public image. Tony Blair needs putting in his place 'cuz he's too arrogant as it is. The last thing we need is a republic.' Mikeyboy

  • 'One of the reasons we will continue to have a monarchy for a long time is because people view the rabid republicanism with distrust. The anti-monarchy faction's insults and dismissals of other people's views will ensure the Royal Family continue to long reign o'er us,' says Taneily.

    American views
    Even our transatlantic cousins have something to say about the British monarchy.

    '225 years and counting without a monarch, and this republic looks longingly for the pageantry and solemnity that such an institution would provide,' says Getmail02

    The final word goes to one British fan: 'They [the Royal Family] bring a lot of visitors here and no doubt there is still a positive contribution to the overall economy. I do not object to supporting the [monarchy] as an institution. In some respects they have the freedom to say things that get into print because of who they are and to that extent they can act as the voice of the people.'Dabchick

    So, what do you think? Are they the voice of the people? Have your say on this and other topics on our Great Debates message board. Take a look at some of the LIVE discussions happening right now on the board:

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