Atheist On The Throne

[Hopkirk]

What would happen if one of the heirs to the throne announced he was an atheist?

[Peter Pedant]

I am not sure anything would happen so long as the fella carried out his duties. Like being crowned, choosing the AB of C ( I am not sure if he does - I think a ctee does ) .

WR whether or not Tony B was suspected of being a closet RC ( in pectore , puto ) he converted after he resigned. Appointment of Bishops was brought up - but everyone swallowed the supposed fiction that he was a Prot.

[FredPuli43]

Here's the Oath that the Queen took:


http://www.royal.gov.uk/ImagesandBroadcasts/Historic%20speeches%20and%20broadcasts/CoronationOath2June1953.aspx


I think an atheist could do their utmost without being a believer. Being normally an oath sworn on a bible they'd have to affirm, as present law allows.

[jno]

I don't think it would make any difference if an atheist swore on a bible, would it? It might mean less to them, but it would hardly make any difference to God or the public: a promise is a promise, whatever it's sworn on.

[Hopkirk]

How about if the heir also announced he was gay and wished to marry another man?

[jno]

many British monarchs have married queens, Hopkirk.

[Hopkirk]

Nice one

[jno]

and quite a few of them have been gay as well (at a guess: William II, Richard I, Edward II, plus some not entirely plausible rumours about Richard II, James I, William III and even poor Anne).

[Hopkirk]

A bit hard to object now, if the law allows gay marriage for us little people.