Agreed John. The grandeur and cringeworthy display of opulence really made me think. My brothers first wife was from London and boasted often about the Queen and the monarchy. Call me a realist but I would ask what was the purpose and why would the average citizen agree that the wealth of the monarchy was appropriate given the economic and social issues. Having watched the Crown on Netflix it was clear the role was largely ceremonial and the entitlement displayed by the children and extended family disturbing. The treatment of Diana and now Meghan M shows the destructive hierarchy. What I did appreciate was that a woman served in this position for 7 decades and her commitment to her duty was admirable. She had a deep love for the countries under British rule. A number of commentators and British citizens spoke of the colonialism and the reach of the British monarchy. I had an assistant & friend who would often say “fing Brit’s” they are everywhere. She was Irish. We don’t learn much about the scope of the British empire, it’s “its realms” while these countries simply want to be their own countries ie Northern Ireland. I suspect there will be a coming push by these territories to be their own under King Charles. Many hope his reign will be short and that William will be king. He & Kate would bring a modern progressive vibe to the monarchy.