King's Day Kit

Poor Prince Charles. He has spent his entire life preparing for the "job" of monarch, and he was not even asked if he wanted to do it, he just had to. I think he should be given the chance (assuming he outlives his mother). Bear in mind that the Queen Mother lived past 100, and the Queen comes from a long line of long-living females.

Regarding the UK constitution; I don't think they CAN abdicate after being crowned; bear in mind that Edward VIII was king by right, not by Coronation, and abdicated before he was crowned.

However, I am sure they can change it; they changed it so that it was the first-born child that would inherit rather than the first-born son, so it can surely be added that the current monarch has the right to abdicate.

@Klaartje, LOL! Monarchy, the 21st century way!

@leefish, I didn't know Edward VIII hadn't been crowned, that's interesting. I'm not 100% sure about the exact rules for our monarchs abdicating, but they definitely can after being crowned, we've had two Queens do it (and two Kings, but they were both dethroned, they didn't step down voluntarily).

Come to think about it... the only two ruling Queens we've had in modern (=post 1521) times both abdicated. That doesn't bode well for Victoria.

Why not just for the sake of tradition, Klaartje? I mean personally, I don't see much practical use for a monarch anymore, either. But the royalty does serve to remind us of where we're coming from. And it provides some status. And a source for gossip, if nothing else...

I didn't mean we should get rid off them altogether I just meant hosting a contest between Bea's and Margriet's kids to see who would be the best king/queen. To be done in X-factor style. Gives poor Maurits a chance.