Royal Family Stuff, Part II

As mentioned last week, the British royalty is not the only royalty around.  And, looking in another direction, in addition to royalty, there is also aristocracy.  That, to an extent, is “later editions” of royalty, Prince Harry being the current top example, but there’s other stuff mixed in there too, be it simple “royalty” or the likes of Emperors.

From aristocracy on up, there’s wealth implied and things wealthy people can afford that “ordinary folks” can’t afford.  There are also obligations of sorts.  Regardless of the source of the wealth, chances are it includes a large house that has space for the likes of offices, nice guest rooms for important visitors, servants’ quarters and family life.

If for no other reason, then because of the generally unspecified “obligations,” it’s not unexpected to have the likes of the media following high class people around, reporting on both any fulfilling of social obligations and any “bad” (irresponsibility) being done by such individuals.  (It’s not surprising that they chased after Princess Diana.)

One big thing these days, of course, is that a remotely possible heir to the British throne has a “black” American mother-in-law.  It’s a good bet there will be intense curiosity over every child conceived down that line in regard to exactly how “black” (dark skinned, etc.) the kid will be until he/she is born and seen.  (More maybe next week.)

Some things never change.  🙂

Royal Family Stuff, Part I

The big news these days is the British Royal Family, most recently especially the new son of Prince Harry (who’s name, as we know, really isn’t Harry) and his American-born wife.  Other “royalty” exists but is not likely to make international headlines in the same way, for the same reasons or somewhat perpetually as the British do.

The British are big news for several reasons.  A point seldom mentioned or defined is that it’s currently in largely an English speaking world rooted to some extent in English ancestry.  The Spanish language is also very wide-spread and there’s a “Spanish royalty.”  Are they constantly “in the news” (i. e., English-speaking news)?  No.

Another thing seldom covered properly is the line of inheritance.  After Elizabeth II, the monarch will be Charles, then William, then one of William’s kids.  Charles is 70; William’s 36.  Anyone 35 could live through Elizabeth, Charles and William, but who will someday “rule” (sign papers, etc.) has little bearing on anyone over 35.

Certainly there can always be some kind of major catastrophe whereby Prince Harry’s new son is suddenly “the king” to be taking over post-Elizabeth II.  The chances, however, don’t seem to be too great.  It’s a good bet that’s not the only reason for the hubbub and international news reports.  (More another time, maybe next week.)

New analysis should be done by everyone.  🙂