RIP Queen Elizabeth

[winjim]

The monarch is the head of the established church so religious devotion should not be unexpected.

 

[mjr]

er pretty clear I would have thought. Hardly fitting or resonating with atmosphere and tradition.
[...] the NEC - basically a collection of hangars.

I don't know if you've ever visited it on an ordinary day like I have, but Westminster Hall is only a big empty disused court room that's been dressed up for this occasion. OK, it's got more tradition, but that's ever going to be the case for a 11th century hall over a 20th century one.

The NEC could be dressed up however one likes for atmosphere, and it also has an advantage over Westminster Hall that it was actually opened by the late Queen, as was its expansion... and the first gig at the attached Arena was by Queen.

[...]
If you think the suggestion a goer I think I'd ask a few folks in the queue who have come from north of London whether they would have welcomed such an alternative.

Is that because asking people who have been able to travel to London for such an awkward event would give the answer you prefer, unlike asking the scummy midlanders and northerners who couldn't? I just feel it would have been a really nice gesture to involve the other parts of the UK more and not let this become another reminder that London is still really the ruler. The few mentions of the late Queen preferring Scotland and liking her London palace least aren't really much.

 

[mjr]

The Cambridge dictionary defines "theocracy" as "a country that is ruled by religious leaders" and the King is both head of state and the head of the Church of England, so a religious leader, so it seems pretty clear that Britain is still a theocracy, as well as now basically a democracy. Edit to add: there are still bishops sitting as "Lords Spiritual" in the House of Lords, too. I thought they lost their seats along with most hereditaries but apparently not.

That's not to say it matters much, or is a problem, in current practice. But how did you decide it obviously isn't?

 

[sheddy]

Worth a read - https://www.ianvisits.co.uk/articles/the-queue-for-the-lying-in-state-57476/?

 

[Reynard]

Guess it also depends how you define what a theocracy is...

Most would define the government of Iran as a theocracy, likewise the government of Afghanistan, and the Vatican City - places where religion defines every aspect of life.

 

[Bollo]

Worth a read - https://www.ianvisits.co.uk/articles/the-queue-for-the-lying-in-state-57476/?

I’m waiting for the reviews on Trip Advisor.

 

[Accy cyclist]

I hear folk saying "I keep saying Prince, not King Charles". It's a bit different for me as when I hear someone on the radio say "King Charles the...." I get the word Spaniel in my head, instead of "Third".

 

[Ming the Merciless]

 

[Dogtrousers]

BC have apologised but...

View: https://twitter.com/BritishCycling/status/1570346324955959296


They still don't get it. Cancelling BC competitive events is fine, that's fully within their remit. Track and road racing is their business.

But saying that clubs "may wish to consider ... but are under no obligation ..." is superfluous and meddlesome.

Let's face it, people aren't entirely stupid. They are well aware of what is going on. People will already have considered this. Those for whom the funeral is an important occasion (and there are plenty) will already have come to a decision, as will those for whom it is less important. Nobody needs BC telling them what to consider.

So why are they doing it? I think its an extension of "if it isn't on Strava it didn't happen", but this time it's "If you don't make a song and dance about respecting the late Queen and tell other people what to think, it doesn't count".

 

[glasgowcyclist]

well please list one miracle ascribed to maggie
or the queen.
"miracles" in my book are things awarded by the catholic church to allow popes and various other folks to ascend to wherever.

As someone recently posted:

I fear some folks […] are way way way too literal.

 

[DaveReading]

I read a couple of articles two or three days ago which were predicting (had a slight feeling with a certain glee) that the queue would turn into a human disaster/thing of national shame - fortunately doesn't seem to have happened

Don't speak too soon:

https://www.itv.com/news/2022-09-16...hey-wait-in-queue-to-see-queen-lying-in-state

And two more cold nights to go.

 

[Dave7]

There must have been some very cold people in that queue last night. Some appeared to only have light jackets or even Tee shirts.

They have told people not to turn up at all now as its at capacity.

 

[Fab Foodie]

I hear folk saying "I keep saying Prince, not King Charles". It's a bit different for me as when I hear someone on the radio say "King Charles the...." I get the word Spaniel in my head, instead of "Third".

You're not alone....

 

[Fab Foodie]

Our New neighbours (Margo and Jerry), bedecked the front of their house with bunting. I asked Jerry who the celebration was for and he replied "the Queen" At this point my ADHD beat me to it and I said "ah yes, I heard she'd died...." which apparently's a bit rude.
Anyhow, who erects bunting for a funeral?*


*apart from Margo and Jerry obvs....

 

[mjr]

Our New neighbours (Margo and Jerry),

Has the grief made the walls between your sitcom fantasies start to collapse? You may be risking a schizoid embolism. Please, seek help.