Queen Throws Hissy Fit

[Philtaz]

If it's not the Argies, it's the Spanish....

http://www.bbc.co.uk/...world-europe-18098104

[jno]

nothing to do with the queen, any more than it would be here. They're constitutional monarchs; governments tell them where to go and what to do.

[Philtaz]

You sure they go where governments 'tell' them to jno? Maybe advise them about goodwill visits to the Commonwealth etc but tell is a bit strong. After all, after a general election doesn't our Queen 'invite' the winning party leader to form a government?

[jno]

yes, but it will be the Spanish government that has told her to stay home. Just as if No 10 told HM not to go to Zimbabwe, she wouldn't. Anything that might seem to reflect government policy, the government decides. The queen's free to open Tescos off her own bat, though.

[sunny-dave]

... or indeed to go shooting elephants in Botswana ...

[hc4361]

Our queen and the Spanish queen are realistically figureheads of their respective countries with no real clout. They do what they're told at the end of the day.

[mike11111]

The Queen of Spain isn't even a figurehead, she is a mere queen consort.

[hc4361]

Okay, the monarch is the figurehead.

[Philtaz]

But in the link it claims it was a private commitment and that the Spanish royal household are unhappy about the use of the Regimental Band from Gibraltar, so it sounds a little more personal than just government policy.

[starone]

Philtaz - you are rather naive about the Queen. She does what she is told by the Government. Look back at the Duke of Windsor who laboured under the impression that he could marry Mrs Simpson and make her his Queen. I believe the last monarch who thought they had a God-given right to do as they like was Queen Victoria but even she had to bow to the Government's wishes in the end.

[Philtaz]

Nah, not naive Starbuck, I just reckon that some 73 year old Senora is a bit crotchetty. If she doesn't fancy a shinding and wearing a new hat, that's her prerogative!

The thread and title were just posted for jocular purposes, nothing more.

[Philtaz]

shindig even.

[jno]

the UK claims it was a private commitment. It's quite possible HM drew up her own guest list as it's her party, but No 10 will still have pointed out names to be added or subtracted. (These things are negotiable, but nobody's ever going to admit "We wanted her to invite Berlusconi but she refused.") Sofia may have said "Sure, love to come" and her government said "Don't". It's about Gibraltar, and that's government business.

[craft1948]

I think the last monarch who thought he was God given had his head chopped off......................

[askyourgran]

The last time I heard the Queen directed her Parliament who were elected by the will of her subjects. The Queen has her advisers, she meets the PM every week to discuss issues, and handle state matters. Pity she didn't sort out Tony B liar when she had the chance.

[starone]

The Queen has no say in matters of State at all. The P.M tells her what 'her' Government is going to do and she signs on the dotted line and that's it as far as she is concerned. It is not a life I would ever envy even though she has such a luxurious life. I would rather live as I do, and do what I like than have to be told what I can do. She is even less free than we who are supposed to be her 'subjects' are.

[jake-the-peg]

Are they still mad about Gibraltar?

What many people don't know is that Spain has it's own Gilbraltar called Ceuta on the edge of Morocco

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ceuta

Perhaps they might like to return that to Morocco

[sandyRoe]

At times of economic troubles it's handy to have something to distract the populace. Argentina and the Faulklands, Spain and Gib.
I'm sure the Royals would get along famously if the politicians weren't involved.

[jno]

and don't forget Melilla.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Melilla

But the Spaniards say these cities were Spanish before Morocco existed.

[carolegif]

I agree with SandyRoe it is a diversion from Spain's problems. Apart from the Euro crisis and over 505 youth unemployment. The king was caught out on a secret trip to Botswana where he was hunting elephants - only found out because he fell and broke his hip! Also one of the Infanta's husbands is being accused of fraud!
They have Ceuta and Mellila and won't give them up.

[carolegif]

50% youth unemployment!!