And What Do You Do? Book about the Royal Family by Norman Baker

trisher I wasn't saying that at all.
You said that the Romans killed the messenger although I think it was an Armenian King who was recorded as killing the bringer of bad news.
Surely we shouldn't see off Norman! Some don't think the news is bad.
I wouldn't wish that on anyone, however annoying they are although he was always like a mosquito.

Can we send the lot of them to Canada? "They never will be missed!"

I wish they would stay in Canada, this will anger Megan and Harry’s fans sorry .

The Queen paid for Frogmore Cottage from the money she is allocated from the civil list. She must feel a bit piddled off at funding this as they don't seem to spend much time there, and no doubt the money could have been better spent!!

We are spending money on keeping their palaces and mansions in order

I’m with you there Lesley60 - all the money spent on Frogmore ‘Cottage’ (do me a favour!) and then they bugger off to Canada!

Good grief , a bit far fetched ? Thank you oldgimmer

It was a bit far-fetched Anniebach, to say the least! At one point he had Iraqis rowing up the Thames, doing the deed, staging Kelly's suicide and disappearing back down the Thames - all in broad daylight.

I think one thing's true though - that Kelly was a convenient stooge for the powers-that-be.

Dr Kelly’s brother in law said there was no truth in Bakers book

I quite like Norman Baker's writing. He's written a book about the death of Dr David Kelly which is an interesting read. It DOES stretch credulity a bit, though.

This one's dirt cheap in Kindle edition, so you can't go wrong, really, can you?

Callistemon who said you couldn't criicise the writer? Although it would be nice if you read the book first. As for criticism of the RF that's the whole point of my post. It's never really criticism by some people, simply unreasoned support for whichever member happens to be in favour at the time.

I've never heard of Norman Baker although I'm sure he was splendid in his own way.
As has been said the Queen owns two properties, the rest belong to the state, one is Balmoral, brought by Prince Albert for Queen Victoria, and Sandringham bought by Edward V11th when he was Prince of Wales in 1862. Presumably the RF wouldn't be expected to sell either of these? As for pictures, jewellery etc, surely they can keep personal things that belong to them as can the rest of us? Articles that belong to the nation are of course another matter! Should we sell the nations treasures including exhibits in museums, art galleries etc? Perhaps a referendum would be in order to see what the public feel?

the royals don’t sue, pity, exception being a minor member of the family.

Interesting that we are allowed to criticise the Royal Family endlessly but we're not supposed to criticise the supremely ever-irritating ex MP Norman Baker.

He was always an attention-seeker!

(ducks for cover)

The continuing saga of Good Royal/Bad Royal never ceases to amuse me. It's either the best planned PR routine in history or simply a coincidental way of covering up reality. Charles is suddenly GR and Andrew has taken his place as BR (sharing slightly with Harry and Meghan). Who will be next??? The book sounds great by the way. Must order it. As for slagging off the writer the Romans used to kill the messengers who brought bad news!!!

I think the Queen has served her country long & well, taking her vows seriously and is respected as our head of state around the world. But, I do think we really need a more streamlined, modern, more open royal family such as in The Netherlands and Scandinavia. The book if anyone is interested is available on Amazon at a special price of £2.49.

So easy to bring Andrew into it to strengthen his belief as a republican.

The author is not an MP he lost his seat in 2015, I think him a
hypocrite, the BBC ran an investigation some ŷears ago and found he had failed to declare a financial interest in Tibet on 37 occasions during parliamentary debates and questions,
he said it was an oversight.

I respect his work for animal rights

I don't know this MP

No, he is rather a nonentity who keeps trying to get himself in the limelight.
HM Queen, however, is known and admired worldwide.

Except by some of her citizens in the UK it seems.

I agree that a streamlined Royal Family is probably a necessity; however, as long as there is a demand for the services of some of the extended family such as Princess Anne, the Wessexes, why should they not contribute and be paid expenses from the overall Sovereign Grant which is allocated to the Head of State and for is required?

A President would probably cost just as much, if not more.

I remember Norman Baker, lost his seat in 2015.
Not that popular then.

There are a lot of facts and figures in the book. It is a very interesting read as also info and stories about their personalities.
It doesn't come across as gossip. The info is mostly backed up as far as I can remember.
I don't know this MP author but he seems fairly decent for a politician!

I have borrowed the book from the Library and will want to reread as my memory is so rubbish but even i was shocked at how much of the truth is mostly kind of hidden from the public.
They cost us a huge amount of money but more than that, they prop up the inequality of the country as if it is their God given right.

the book is up to date enough to mention the P.Andrew current crisis but he comes out badly for other reasons anyway which make him look very entitled and very rude unless he wants to charm.

Every country has a head of state, and ours is very popular all around the world. It's surely impossible to not admire our Queen for her total dedication throughout her long life.
Prince Charles will be a good king, in my opinion,. and William after him. Some streamlining would be welcome;
even though I am a monarchist I agree it is needed.

They don’t own the palaces . The Queen owns two private properties, should she give them away ?

People in Republican countries stand for their National Anthem so not that unusual! I don't think that bowing and curseying is obligatory any more, and certainly won't be when William becomes King. Just shaking hands will do, you know, normal good manners!!

I’m not going to insult anyone by criticising their opinions, all I will say is that there is no way I would curtsy to anyone or stand for the national anthem as I feel it’s not about the UK it’s just about the royals who in my humble opinion are a waste of money, money which could be better spent on saving lives in the cash strapped NHS amongst many other things our country needs.
We are spending money on keeping their palaces and mansions in order when we have so many homeless including veterans.
If the Royals care about ordinary hard working people as they say they do they should think of these things.
In my opinion these jewels and Art could be sold and the money be put to re build our country, which would be far better than hanging on their necks and walls.
Rant over ?

You won't get any onslaught from me Missfoodlove! I love the pageantry and history of the RF, and every time I see the mounted cavalry I feel a surge of pride!
Our Queen is indeed an incredible woman, Prince Charles for all the ups and downs will imo make an excellent king. William and his family are as you say great role models for the future and the monarchy if allowed, will be safe in their hands.
No one wastes more money than the EU, but of course no criticism of that institution!!
Along with you I now have my tin hat on!

The author of the book is a republican , a Lib MP who was in the cabinet with the Tory/Lib coalition government

Does he give full facts of the chartered jets, when and to where?

Also where are the freebie holidays spent ?