Twitter seems to be a mixture of people who couldn't give a toss, people who do give a toss, and that special breed of people who are blaming Meghan Markle for it all while quietly ignoring Price Andrew being a turbononce.
6Music playing Smashing Pumpkins.
6Music playing Smashing Pumpkins.
not the smiths yet then ?
I'm quite happy to see the monarchy scaled back, reined in, modernised whatever, but I'm intrigued where the sunlit uplands are where a monarchy has been abolished and all the ills being blamed on them have been removed from society?
Get rid of the monarchy/landed gentry or whatever, and some nouveau riche wannabe astronaut or oligarch will be along to take their place.
At least with no monarchy it's one less group for the succession of crap governments we keep electing to use in a culture war to hide their failures and corruption.
The Royals are the ultimate SQUIRREL! for many on both sides of the republican argument. All hail King Tufty VIII!
Plebs beginning to assemble.
It's happening.
ITV now joining in.
Why do we need a head of state?
It's just an apolitical role to shake people's hands and be a figurehead for the country. They're quite useful to have, and when executive power does it it can cause problems as in the USA.
I am not a royalist mind. I don't particularly care who does it the job. It'd be fun if it were BBC SPOTY or something.
Should we be stockpiling now?
Thank god for Pointless (not to be confused with Nicolas Witchells musings)
My grandparents would be roughly the same age as her and have been dead for decades.
My grandparents are both in their 90s and still alive. NHS is doing a decent job!
All rich people have good healthcare. Some make their money, some are born into it. Do you begrudge the Beckham kids having access to great healthcare? They haven't earn't their money.
Do you begrudge the Beckham kids having access to great healthcare? They haven’t earn’t their money.
Is this a trick question?
A friend of mine whose husband is in senior security circles has just stated "Long Live the King" as apparently it's been communicated at some level that she's already died. Allegedly...
All rich people have good healthcare. Some make their money, some are born into it. Do you begrudge the Beckham kids having access to great healthcare? They haven’t earn’t their money.
Yep, pretty simple question.
I’m looking forward to the practice of the ritual sacrifice of any current royal correspondents such as Nicholas Witchell and Jenny Bond to aid in the passing of Liz to the royal afterlife. They knew it was bound to happen at some point yet they still carried out their subservient grovelling without any thought to themselves, such a noble sacrifice.
What price on a 6pm official announcement?
I’m looking forward to the practice of the ritual sacrifice of any current royal correspondents such as Nicholas Witchell and Jenny Bond to aid in the passing of Liz to the royal afterlife.
Now this I could get behind 👍
I know many rich people who’ve had access to great healthcare - many have died sooner than they should.
Money can buy good care, it can’t always buy good health.
I'm no royalist in any way shape or form. But today is about a very old lady who appears to be in her last hours/days. I'm quite happy to keep my republican aspirations separate. The vast majority of the nation have only known one monarch - when we move on it'll sharpen the nations' thinking on this - it'll be more about the concept of the institution than a loyalty to a personality you've known in post all your life.
Whatever, for everyone's sake I do hope this next phase does not last too long - for both the family and the flagshaggers amongst us if this stretches to days/weeks, as it often does, it'll be no fun. No Liverpool pathway for our Liz I suspect.
A monarch and PM with the same name - have we had this before? And for it to last such a short time. The chances her of dying so close to doing to do with the PM change over is a touch eary.
I would’ve said 18:00 (as stated earlier) but may be delayed until after Harry gets there
I do wonder how long BBC and ITV will keep running these news specials if she carries on for some days?
I do wonder how long BBC and ITV will keep running these news specials if she carries on for some days?
I know. Only keeping half an eye on it but not sure I can listen to Huw watching a pair of gates all weekend. Perhaps they'll start interviewing other 96 year-old ladies, that should be, erm... interesting. Or back-to-back Queen concerts. That would be splendid.
I assume they are only doing the telly because they know, she's either died or it's expected imminently. They wouldn't do it if it might be days or weeks.
Whatever, for everyone’s sake I do hope this next phase does not last too long – for both the family and the flagshaggers amongst us if this stretches to days/weeks, as it often does, it’ll be no fun
Yep,I do wonder if they get treated differently in this aspect.
She’s currently Schrödinger’s Queen
She isn't dead, she's resting.
She’s currently Schrödinger’s Queen
Chapeau sir
So will we have Queen Camilla soon the history books will treat her well.
It's also arguably slightly bizarre that the news feed is entirely consumed with this with us still in the 'waiting phase' whilst the nations single biggest financial decision has also been announced today - with monumental ramifications for all of us.
She’s currently Schrödinger’s Queen
Does feel a bit like that,I’m getting that feeling that you get that history’s playing out in front of us.
From the 6pm BBC1 news you'd think she's soon to take her last breath.
It’s also arguably slightly bizarre that the news feed is entirely consumed with this with us still in the ‘waiting phase’ whilst the nations single biggest financial decision has also been announced today – with monumental ramifications for all of us.
She’s the Queen,pleb!!
Don’t forget y/our place 🙂
Aren't they just coordinating the announcement?
If she is end of life being kept comfortable at home then 12 to 72 hours would be the norm. And i hope they use the principles of the liverpool care pathway. Its codified best practice for end of life care. Its what i did
From the 6pm BBC1 news you’d think she’s soon to take her last breath.
I think that's what's happening. If it was just a bad cold etc, the whole family would not have been summoned to visit her on her deathbed. My guess is 10pm tonight.
She’s already dead I reckon. Google ‘operation London Bridge’; they are already several actions into the plan to break it to the public in a controlled fashion. Note the ‘inoffensive music’ on most of the radio stations at the moment. There will be a news flash at some point this evening I would imagine, when Prime Minister twoshortplanks will get to act all stateswomanish and Thatcher like outside No. 10.
I seem to recall that the official announcement is posted on the gates of Buckingham Palace? It does seem slightly premature that they’ve already invoked some aspects of Operation London Bridge (newsreaders in black, takeover on main terrestrial channels) before it’s happened. Been getting asked questions about it on and off throughout the day (local government as my employer) so things are being prepared.
As others have said, hopefully it’s a peaceful dignified end whatever you think of the monarchy.
Apparently it’s Operation Unicorn as she’s at Balmoral
I’d be surprised if they announce anything until all the people who are supposed to be going to balmoral have actually arrived.
Whether she’s gone or going.
It does seem slightly premature that they’ve already invoked some aspects of Operation London Bridge
it’s in full swing, I’m well down the pecking order of a very long list, and I’ve had my phone call several hours ago.
Edit. I should add, it’s a massive logistical operation that’s going to happen, a lot needs to be in place (so no, I have no idea if she has / hasn’t)
NW starting to talk about “overnight” as in last night
Union flag at half mast at Buckingham palace
Official
RIP your Majesty.
Well, all thoughts are with her and her family, hope if she has gone it was peaceful and if she hasn't it happens peacefully.
As a confirmed republican the next few weeks and maybe even months are going to be a challenge....will keep.my head down I think.
