I so don't care…

Totally agree with you Absent and Anniebach (with the teensy exception of feeling sorry for her during the Diana years as I think Diana was only picked to produce the heir and the spare) .

I can't be bothered with very much at the moment though, so don't mind me.

I am a republican and don't give a fig either way - if you English want to carry on this absurd and frankly expensive thing - what can I do - absolutely nothing but contribute!!!

Why North Korea? Are there no presidents in the world who are serving their country well? Canada seems happy with their new president.

So what has she done? Yes reached ninety, no NHS for her, no living on a pension, never had a mortgage, lives in two very large council houses but pays no rent, doesn't work January and February spends it at Sandringham, Easter hols at windsor and weekends. Heads for Scotland for hols in August untill October , lots of grouse to shoot and deer to stalk and shoot. Week hols for Ascot.

Sailed through life never having to account for her actions, never has to face criticism face to face. Never shared her views with the people. Most we have heard is - I name this ship X.

I did feel so sorry for her during the Saint Diana years though,

I'm with the ' if you don't like it don't watch it' group. Some of my family are on one side , some on the other so we don't discuss it with the opposing factions. I think she does a good job and brings in tourists, so I shall be watching the whole caboodle ( unless it interferes with a tribute to Victoria Wood, in which case I'll record it. The Queen or so called celebrities? The Queen every time.

If we only counted the tourist revenue, notably dollars which the Monarchy have brought to this country, the royal family would still be good value!
I for one can do without an elected 'leader', North Korea being a prime example of how well that particular scenario works!

The alternative? President Trump???????

I feel sorry for the Queen its a dreadful job, all the more reason not to have any more royals. We are encouraged to consider them as better than us and from there flows class distinctions and privilege that create unfairness.

I don't watch royal stuff in the media or sports all about making some people better than others. Ghastly really.

The royals got there because their ancestors were the most violent and corrupt and able to seize power............the sportsmen are running and jumping and making much of it, while all over the world others are running and jumping faster but not in the limelight.

I am so glad that I have a garden and don't have to rely upon dross for entertainment.

Well said.

There is a happy birthday thread for queenie so why not post others views on windsors here.

Seems the fact that the press and many of her humble subjects were out for her blood twenty years ago and how she and her family murdered the saintly Diana is forgotten .

What has she done apart from shake hands. Open buildings. Attend church services and inspect countless regiments ?

If you don't care about the monarchy, don't comment on it. I dislike football but you don't see me commenting endlessly about how I hate it.
I like the Queen. The alternative would be unthinkable.

Absolutely Aggie!

Think of the USA , we could be having "fun" electing a President , Have we a British Donald Trump ? , not sure if it would be much better . Surely if the Queen was irrelevant she would have been dumped long ago ?
Happy Birthday Elizabeth

Alima ?

I was quite sad at the demise of the (paper) Independent, but that "face swapping" picture from Twitter is grotesque, and IMHO not the least bit funny.

I do hope this isn't going to descend into a Royalist/anti-Royalist ding dong as most people's opinions are probably pretty fixed so it would all be a bit pointless.
(Mia Tindall with her Great-Granny's handbag is very, very sweet.)

Sorry annsixty, another senior moment, I meant to refer to absent's post. (No hope really.)

I listened on the radio to a chappie called Dickie something who had been a royal press officer or suchlike and after praising the Queen for her beauty, immaculate dress sense etc he said that, as she receives no salary, her dedication to the service of her country completely free of charge. Who knew? This makes my attempts at voluntary work so feeble by comparison. ?

Is the pic in the link above supposed to be Kate at 90 ?? She looks like my mum

Precisely Alima. I so do not want to see sport on TV. So I don't watch it.

Alima you have credited me with sentiments not necessarily my own?

I did like the photo of her with all the GGC. We have a similar one taken on my mother's 100th birthday.
Particularly liked Mia Tindall wielding the handbag. A politician in the making?

I wonder who these people would like to see in her place.Kim Jung Wong ,( or wot the bleddy hell hes called) Another Hitler,or Stalin.

I know what you mean annsixty although I am viewing from the other angle and really enjoy all the current news, photos etc about the Queen at 90. There is so much that goes on which is of no interest to me whatsoever, most sport, "celebrities" just to name a couple. It is not that difficult to avoid that sort of stuff that does not interest you, I know, I do it all the time.

I thought William's explanation of him doing few Royal engagements and being called work shy William by the press was so selfish, wants to be with his family and be a good father . He works part time flying helicopters and does few Royal engagements , that's it. Suppose the visit he and his brother paid to the film set of the new Star Wars film will benefit this country . These brothers need to grow up , get off their behinds and do something for this country

Good for you, absent.

This photo made me smile. Weird, but amusing. I have no idea why it was done:

mobile.twitter.com/Independent/status/723044123008069633/photo/1

Don't watch it then

I appreciate your feelings and I'm sure many share them and equally many are interested , do hold her in esteem and want to celebrate .

So, we make our viewing choices accordingly.