The royal family has always had a unique relationship with Canada. However, between their frequent expenses and Prince Harry’s publicity incidents, it is understandable if the value of that relationship is beginning to be questioned.
Before we Canadians conclude that the royal family is pointless to Canada, let’s first take a look at the actual responsibilities in the relationship. To start off, Queen Elizabeth is a constitutional monarch and is therefore working entirely on the advice of the Canadian government. Legislators, public services, military and police members all owe allegiance to the Royals, just as they owe allegiance to Canadian citizens. All elections and laws are passed onto and promulgated in the Queen’s name before being made final in Canada. Although the Queen herself does not carry out these responsibilities herself, she is represented in the person of the Governor General. While the royal family has cut back on the Governor General’s responsibilities in Canada, the Queen still contributes and supports Canadian organizations. These organizations include, but are not limited to, the Cancer Society, the Canadian Nurses Association, and Save the Children. The symbolic support of the British monarchy continues to be an effective tool in Canadian initiatives.
From a monetary perspective, the family seems to be focusing on those who matter most to their subjects—Canadians included. The royal budget, put forward by Prince Charles, has the effect of singling out those of consequence to the public eye in the family. This includes the Queen, her successors and their spouses. Other royal family members, including Prince Charles’ brother Andrew and his daughters Beatrice and Eugenie (the only real “blood princesses” in the current royal generation) are being pushed away from the royal family, causing great separation and stress. Outside the royal walls you probably would not even notice they are having some major family issues right now. Inside, there are princes at war. Prince Andrew is not letting this go without a fight.
Why is this relevant to the relationship between the royals and Canadians? For years now, Canadians have been talking about the royal budget and how much they spend from our taxes. This brings a whole new appreciation to the monarchy. They are not just talking about the budget plans; they are acting on them. Canadians should care about this new plan because it shows a willingness to listen to the people and change their ways. The royals that would be guaranteed a position in the family budget will be the ones that matter most. Everyone knows that William, Kate, and the fun, single Harry are the royals that everyone really wants to see. Not even the Queen is fighting against Prince Charles’ goal to cut back on spending.
So what’s next for the royals? What effect will their decision have on their relationship on their relationship with Canadians—and each other?
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