Going slightly off topic here but well, as the question's been posed...
Firstly, let me say that I have no truck with any monarchy, anywhere in the world. It's an out-moded concept, in my opinion and has no place in the modern world. Maybe it's because I was born and reared in a republic, that I feel this way but, anyhow, it's how I feel.
That said, I'm fully aware that it's not my place to tell other countries how they should go about their business so what the heck? If the Windsors want to play dress up and you're happy to pay for it, who am I to tell you what to do? (Please don't give me the tourism argument - a zillion people go Blarney Castle every year and it's been unoccupied for a very long time).
I would have thought though (and I'm honestly not being cheeky here (I might have been above), so genuine apologies if I'm offending anyone), that the bestowing of OBE's, Knighthoods etc was always an exercise in 'glory by association'. Sort of, hey that guys a good (ie dangerous) leader of men - make him a knighthood, give him lands and wealth and let everyone know that the king gave it to him. And now, hey Kylie/Fergie/that Scots lady on GMTV is very popular, make them a knight/ dame and the monarchy will gain popularity by association.
Is that not what it's all about - or have I missed a memo?
Just to repeat: absolutely no offence, whatsoever, meant.
