There is an interesting article in the May 2005 issue of Walrus. It surveys the state of the British Monarchy; and, in particular, the prospect of Camilla becoming Queen when Charles becomes King.

It seems to me that people could give poor Chuckles a bit of slack. Sure, he has made a lot of bad choices. Yes, he ought to have taken more care in making decisions in his personal life. But haven’t most of us made some stupid mistakes along the way? Do we really care who the Prince marries? Shouldn’t he get to be happy, finally?

More generally, does this really matter anyway? The Monarchy, for Canadians at any rate, is politically irrelevant, isn’t it? Do any of us really think the Governor General (and her provincial counterparts) are representatives of the Queen? Isn’t she really just a functionary to perform a role we rarely need?

I have to admit to a certain interest, which I can’t quite explain, in the Royals. I pay attention to the media reports about them, and feel some sort of odd connection.  I mean, the Queen is on our money after all (stole that from House, in the interest of honesty).

On the other hand, the whole notion of a monarchy smacks of much I despise: priviledge based on position, power as a result of birth, and so on. It’s very undemocratic. Our Head of State is appointed, for crying out loud. Shouldn’t that offend all of us?

Maybe its time to talk about an elected Head of State. But, what the heck, the Queen can stay on my coins.