The Queen has been with us doing a good job as a representative of the UK for 55 years and earns far more respect than that unelected scotsman who has made such a hash of his job. The perogative power should be returned to a proper Parliament that serves the electorate not a corrupt party system

Chris Norman, Norwich, UK

Mick Hume, read _Human Action_ and _Socialism_ by Ludwig von Mises, you might just figure out why communism cannot work. Beyond that, do you Britons realise the Queen holds allodial title to your country. Yes, she *owns* it. It might be nice if she evicted a couple of these republicans.

Jack, Herington, USA

As an Australian republican, I say this. You Brits at least have the luxury of one of your own citizens as head of state. We have a Governor General appointed by Her Majesty, along with the Canadians and New Zealanders. Why Can't my kid grow up to be President ?. Long live the Republic of OZ

Tony, Frankston, Australia

Try having a referendum to abolish the Monarchy, and see what happens.

bob munro, london, canada

As an American of British ancestry, please allow me my two bits... The advantage of having a monarchy, over a republic, is that rarely does a wise sovereign act against the best interests of their people. A president can become a tyrant and seize power and ruin a republic, like the US today.

Alex, Los Angeles, USA

I understand the Queen puts in a full schedule of work for the people. Despite the family scandals, I believe the Queen is a rare prize and deserves tremendous respect for her dedication and loyalty to Britain, its institutions, traditions and its people. You can't buy her and she's no politician!

Alex, Los Angeles, USA

Well,here in the US we have to pay to support the current president and family as well as all ex-presidents and their wives and minor children.,not to mention presidential libraries,these people don't do squat for all this.

At lease the royals do somthing to earn their keep.
God Save the Queen!

J A Jones-Ford, Knoxville,TN, United States

From what I’ve read, the cost of the renovations required are not monumental, and are a relative drop in the bucket in relation to the Queen’s wealth.
When you consider the discovery of a misplaced Caravaggio in Windsor castle’s attic, I’m sure the Queen can easily pawn some off some other priceless work of art, or a sizeable chunk of diamond moldering away in her cupboards to cover the expense. The public purse should not be pilfered.

Alexandra, London, Canada

As always, it's easy to find multitudes prepared to attack, yet I don't see anyone offering the viable and acceptable alternative. The idea that the Queen is born to a life of luxury and privilege might seem unjust, but it has to be balanced against the lifetime of work, responsibility and intrusion

Andrew , Cardiff,

We have moved from a time when we where proud to have a Royal family when the head of state was loved, when we where truly world leaders. Perhaps as a society we have become complacent, dissatisfied and are blaming our woes unfairly on the head, perhaps we should look to ourselves again.

Richard Hunwick, London,

Stephen in Cheshire, please tell the good people of Canada who pay GST that it is just "blah blah" as well..

Ed, London, England

Ousting the Queen would require a complete revision of the British constitution... but it does make more sense in our increasingly secular age, as the only real basis for the Windor family's royal status is 'divine right' - it is just tradition and bureaucratic bother after that.

Ella, London,

From my rough calculation of the comments I would say we have a small majority to become a Republic. There is a comment that in 1975 the Queens Governor helped.. blah blah. It would appear therefore she has been unemployed for some 33 years.

Princes get medals for showing up in troubled areas !!

Stephen Southward, Cheshire, UK

I am a Czech immigrant living in UK.
I lived in 'democracy', I watch 'democratically elected leaders'.
Queen (King) and country every time.

Show me a politician I show you a lier.

Mike, Chertsey, UNITED KINGDOM

The Queen has no real power, and does provide a useful ceremonial advisory role within the Parliamentary system. The Royal family is a tourist draw; something for people to gossip and complain about; and and it raises money for and the profiles of various charities that would otherwise be ignored.

Dalton, Toronto, Canada

It would be irresponsible to remove the monarchy without any real idea of the replacement. If the new head of state was given democratic legitimacy then they would demand real power, further eroding the will of parliament.

With no power on offer we'd probably elect David Beckham!

Mazda Mewitt, Zurich, Switzerland

However unelected (and thus, illegitimate), the monarchy still has power !
She can declare war or dissolve parliament.
Also, in Canada, the Queen's Governor General helped Mulroney stack the deck to pass an unpopular GST (VAT) and the Gov. General in Australia who sacked a Prime Minister in 1975.

Ed, London, England

Have you considered that the cost of an elected president might well be greater than the cost of the Queen? Not to mention that the taxpayer would be paying for yet another politician rather than a dignified woman who has served her country unfailingly for fifty years.

Rowan, Oxford.,

The royal family may not be to everyone's liking, but the system seems to work well.
They also help the country in numerous ways, including support for charities, diplomacy, trade, stability and national pride.
A lot of what they do many of us cannot see, but they have a function that is important

Christoper, Sevenoaks, United Kingdom

You think the Queen represents us around the world, but the world doesn't. It is more of a curiosity, like a three headed dog at a circus.

She does not represent me - in any form. Not my politics, outlook on life, nothing.

How can someone living in a vacuum be thought to represent the people?

Paul, Toronto, Canada

James Her daughter in law has managed well over 230 official duites over the past year. This is a high number as she has undergone and had to recover from the major surgery that is hysterectomy. It takes months and months to recover from.

Jean, Nottingham, UK

I think the Queen deserves respect for how hard she works. (more than can be said of her daughter-in-law). Her son Charles, altho not an attractive personality to me, has produced 2 sons who are also, like their grandmother, likeable personalities and I would also not object to William being King.

James, Brooklyn, NY, USA

I cannot believe there are so many pro-monarchy comments here. Exactly what, please tell, gives this woman, the right to a gilded life other than an outdated constitution? As long as I am considered a subject of anyone - male, female, ape - I refuse to feel patriotic to my country over there.

hannah, buenos aires, argentina

Francis Osborn
And a great many would stand beside you for the Crown.

Ross, London, UK

The Queen represents our country around the world and she symbolises our country's greatness.

If Nepal jumped off a cliff then would you want us to follow? That's no argument for getting rid of an ancient and respected institution that has contributed a huge amount to this country's evolution.

Mohammed Khan, London, England

My allegiance is to the crown. Not parliament.

I really don't care whether you think it is 'progressive' or not. I think you'll find a lot of people are with me, and as long as people are loyal to the crown then there will never be a republic.

Clare, Sheffield,

So, so, so boring. The existence of a monarchy is a huge, huge draw for tourism. If the Queen went private, was given all the money she makes, directly and indirectly, for the economy, taking into account multiplier effects, she would be immensely rich - some estimates say 5 billion pounds rich.

L, Damascus, Syria

From a distance, the British monarchy system seems to work Ok. What the world doesn't need is another greed-based Anglo-Saxon republic lead by a god-president.

Matt, Berlin, Germany

Ask yourselves ye who love the Queen, what follows when she dies.

John, Cromer,

I might respectfully explain that some of us still owe political allegiance to the Crown rather than to Parliament.

Were Parliament to vote the abolition of the Crown, some of us would have some difficult decisions to make, but ones with some very clear and potentially problematic outcomes.

Francis J.L. Osborn, London, UK

There will always be someone at the top - be that The Queen, The King, The Czar, The President or The Great Dictator and there will always be many at the bottom.
All you can possibly do is change the names!

Peter, Reading, UK

if we got rid of prince william, oh please!, we would have at least one more helicopter for the proper troops to use. afraid him and the other one would have to walk to their weekly parties.

david harris, fuengirola, españa

Oh! Anglia! Hail thee! Thou shalt arrive one remarkable morn to the realisation of a worthy secular polity, shorn of diadems and pretense.

Laski and Russell stir from their graves and with them rises a new army of republicans.

Australia today, Anglia tomorrow, Commonwealth of Republics day aft!

David Wyckoff, Sydney, Australia

As Alan, Torbay, says ' Long live the queen;, and then ,that's it ! End of the show. Leave everything in it's place, it's not yours, thanks for the service. Goodbye !

Terry, Guildford, England

Can we get rid of Libertarian Marxists? All rights no responsibilities, no sense of history or duty or public service.It is those values we lose if we lost the Monarchy and we cannot afford to lose them. MH wants us to live in a nasty grey EU superstate where he can stamp all our papers.

Alan , Newcastle, UK

I have never heard so many Englishmen sound like Frenchmen!

Republicans, Cromwellians, closet-Yanks, Maoists, and Big Brothers take note. The 'We' found in many of the postings can hardly represent a uniform group. When 'you' do achieve solidarity let me know - 'we' royalists will be waiting!

Stu, Newmarket, UK

This article and so many of the comments reveal that Britain has become a nation unworthy of its history and its monarchy. What a sad commentary this is on a once great and proud nation.

Daniel C., Columbia, USA

I would rather be ruled by the Queen then a lame duck unelected primeminister!

Dave Farmer, Broxbourne, England

Ho, ho! When writing this article, Mr Hume must have expected some of the comments that have been posted. His smile must have become ever-wider, as his fingers flew across the computer keys. We English are an antiquated race and the ex-colonies are worse. Mr Hume, I agree with every word.

Marc, Paris, France

I am appalled at this article, as a loyal subject of Her Majesty, I as a Cdn do not support a republic here at home or in the Uk. You forget to mention that Nepals govnerment is also Communist in origins, is that your leaning? I agree the royals make the UK great & the rest of us where she reigns!

Bob, London, Ontario, Canada

It should end with the Queen.

Alan, Torbay, UK

The very fact that our Head of State is un-elected is enough to get rid of her and her parasital family.

Come on, us British people deserve better than to have an expensive, 900 year old institution that for centuries has repressed the poor. Why do they deserve the medals and names they have?

Edmund, Long Eaton, United Kingdom

the monarchy makes great britain great, the queen runs the country brilliently, she has devoted her life to her country, she keeps peace and does more than you think. i fight each day to defend my queen, and i will carry on doing so along with 80% of the rest of the population. (www.our-royals.com)

Liam philpott, kent, UK

What everyone forgets is that under a deal struck by George III in return for the £40m Civil List given to the Royal family, profits from their assets - Crown Estates - are collected by the Government. Last year profits from Crown Estates were over £150m.

David, Ashford,

66p a year each to keep them in the luxury they inherited?
How about £10 a ticket to watch the eviction instead? Proceeds to Child Poverty Action Group or something similar- sorted!

Stuart Hartill, Ramsey, Isle of Man,

I would like to see Mick Hume do as much work as the Queen or any other 'famous' member of the Royal Family - maybe then he could moan about them!

Daniel, Bath, UK

Every Tax payer should have a option to choose whether or not they want to pay for the MP3 Monarchy.

SB, C'Bridge,

Over the last 30 years, Britain has ceased being a hyper-deferential country, in which the monarchy is revered by almost all. During the same period, the gap between rich and poor has grown and grown. So why should a Republic issue in a new epoch of social justice?

ian morrison, auckland, new zealand

A small quarks in medicine can be mu ch ignited nation for the changing the senario in south american'nature for the chief&be un'nation of japan,cause South Korea'auction"very cheap medicine'proportion concluded the First CAN BE FAKING CAKE ,even canada' ..to the danger of DNA,,followed EN(Envy N)

Jusuk.Han, Gyeongju, South Korea

Well said indeed + bravo!

Like him/her or not, the most important person in UK is the Prime Minster who costs the nation some £200k. The monachy + minions' real + hidden cost too many times of £40m.

Ever wonder what have they ever achieved other than waving hands + walk on red carpet???????

A.S., B'ham, UK

When will the GAFCON and FOCA people realise that their incursion into terittory of the US and Canada invalidates their claim to 'Orthodoxy' within the Anglican Communion. Territorial invasion into other Provinces is distinctly un-Anglican. Their claim to re[resent most Angl;icans is null and void!

Father Ron Smith, Christchurch, New Zealand

As a stounch monarcist I do believe as the richest person in the UK there should be enough in HHM's bank account to pay for extraordinary expenditure such as this especially at a time when many families are feeling the pinch and not all of their own making! perhaps someone should have a quiet word!

Dave Farmer, Broxbourne, England

Wow a marxist! As a young man i haven't seen many of them, communism having proved such a wonderful method of government it beggered the Russians and led the chinese into Tibet. So why in gods name should we listen to someone who believes in pre-determined history?

james, cambridge, UK

As someone born and brought up in the United States, now living in Britain.
Me and my peers were told at a young age that no matter what our race, religion or family was, we could one day lead our country.
Unfortunately, in Britain only people from one heavily inbred family can become head of state

Rick, Ipswich, UK

Ah yes, 'modernisation' has done this country so many favours already eh? Besides, Brown is only toadying to the monarchy and hugging the flag to attempt to divert our attention from his real agenda, which has nothing to with “an independent, indivisible, sovereign and inclusive democratic nation”.

Adam Neilson, Birmingham,

Thank you for telling the truth--we will never be a fair and equal society if we have inherited privilege

j h wade, harrogate, england

Make the paparazzi pay for those gazillions of photos of the princes and the Queen. Raise the entrance fees on national monuments like the Tower and the Abbey. It won't discourage tourists-- I'd gladly pay 66P to see Westminster and Bath Abbeys, among Britain's other priceless monuments.

MJ Hoeber, Orlando, USA

Why is the choice between a monarchy and a president? Why do we have to have either?

We have a Prime Minister to represent us (for better or worse) in the world at large so why add an unecessary layer of costly bureaucracy?

Homer, London,

Since Nepal monarchy ended because people were frightened of Maoist terrorists war threats there has been no government for months while politicians haggle. Most republics were the result of terrorism or war and took many years before stability was achieved.The Palace is still maintained as a musem

Dennis Wake, London, U K

I feel quite sick, reading these comment from jealous little people who are anti-Royalty because of an inferiority complex. Does the Queen deny you a referendum on Europe? Raise your taxes? Does Brown show any of the charisma, charm or humility of the Royals? My loyalty is to the Queen.

James Cullup, Oxford,

The Queen can afford to pay. I think it is a matter of whose money is to be used for the purpose. The source of funds has always been complicated in this country. In any event, the Queen is tied up with the aristocracy in such a way as would defeat even the most ardent anti monarchist politician.

Henry Percy, London, UK

I love the queen! leave her alone!

Louise, Manchester,

I thought the monarch acted as a bulwark against politicians in the interests of the subjects and the Queen has a real talent for this. You know, the time to get rid of monarchies was after WWI when they proved they were inept as statesmen. It would be a shame to do so now, when they're rather fun

Joseph, Chelsea, USA

Tabloids should sponsor the royal family since it provide more than half of their regular content...

Put the Queen, Charles, Harry on ebay could provide the remaining quids needed for Bucky renovation.

Don't thank me for all those great ideas. Being French is my reward.

Bonzo, Pimpol, France

'Her Prime Minister' may have to suggest Her Majesty save back a few p for a couple of weeks and forgo the redecorating until she can afford it. Develop a budget, Your Highness.

Cherie Lyon, Glendale ,

Being Australian, I am not really a monarchist but I can't see how this would possibly solve the problem. You are still going to need to maintain the palaces, no matter who is living in them or not.

Caitlin Fitzsimmons, London, England

Remove the Monarchy?
Decimate the Armed Forces.
You will be surprised how few of us will accept a politician as our commander. I for one serve the Crown, not Brown!

John, Elgin, Moray

The monarchy is doomed! The only ponderable is its date of demise. Unfortunately, I don't see it happening in the forseeable future.

Dominic Pergrite, Twingingham, Canda

Scott Reeve, the government politicians don't pay rent for their houses and flats either. MPs buy houses and flats with 'expenses'.

A republic would still need a head of state. Can you honestly think of anyone whose appointment/election as president wouldn't make you cringe?

Peter Ryder, Middlewich, UK

Get rid of Parliament and replace it with Princess Anne.

Geoffrey, Edinburgh, GB

Bhutan is a better model of an absoute monarchy becoming a democracy. Why should my taxes fund a family who are there purely because their ancestors could beat up mine!

Simon egan , exeter, uk

Thanks to Gordon Brown, Britain is in chaos. The government is useless; the Church of England is crumbling; petrol prices are to the moon; and now attacks on the monarchy because this government refuses to support required maintenance.
The firm should move to Sandingham until repairs are made.

Dr. H. William Winstanley, Marshall MI, USA

To Tony in Potters Bar - if you dont like the MPs, vote for alternatives, or stand yourself.

Its really rather sad that you dont trust the people of this country to choose who governs them.

This is not about the Queen's personal integrity, or lack thereof - its about democracy.

Martin Walker, Lanchester,

No Head of State pays for the palace. Why do republicans insist on pretending the monarchy costs money but a President would be cheaper. Have they been to the USA or France? Airforce One, VIP helicopters, massed bands and cavalry etc. No cheaper than here. Plus you get politics thrown in.

Leo Jones, Holyhead, Wales

Would a presidency be cheaper? Unlikely. Would a republic be so barbaric as to let historic buildings like the palaces rot? The monarchy is very economical, and it is a scandal that the government grabs £200 million from the Crown Estate and returns just £12 million via the civil list.

Oliver Chettle, Bedford,

There is nothing worse then seeing Mr Blair or Mr Browns pictures on the notes of British pounds, it will diminish their value very quickly. Not having their images on notes alone is worth more then 66p per year.

jayil, london, uk

If you are looking for a war dear sir, ye shall have one.

God Save the Queen!

Marc, Antrim,

Without its monarchy, Britain would lose at least
25% of its world standing and become a significantly
lessor nation in world regard.
There are always curs nipping at the heels of royalty.

Gene Strong, Conroe TX, USA

Crown Estate revenues go to Treasury in return for Civil List. Duchy of Cornwall & Duchy of Lancaster revenues go straight into the pockets of Charles & the Queen respectively. Neither duchy pays corporation tax.

James, Istanbul, Turkey

The monarchy are doing an excellent job. The polls show that the majority of people support them.

Its the marxists and socialists that many of us in Britain worry about - especially those currently (only just) in power.

David Cartright, Birmingham,

The royals do not pay rent or charges towards the upkeep of the houses they live in. One wonders what the market rent would be for Buckingham Palace or Windsor Castle.

Scott Reeve, Malmesbury,

If there is one thing I admire the Queen for, it is her integrity. Heaven forfend that we should allow the MPs (and possibly MEPs) to even attempt to take her place - they're not worthy to clean her shoes.

Tony Reeve, Potters Bar, England

'What is Professor Richard Dawkins's take on this?

Joseph, New York City, USA'

Who cares?

Chris, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia

I see nothing wrong with the TENTANT (HRH) complaining to the LANDLORD (government reps of taxpayers) that the premises are in a deteriorating state. Once the palace burns down due to an electrical problem or priceless works of art are ruined by a leaking roof who will end paying for it?

Helen, Vancouver,

Oh no! Did the crows live the tower?

Fabio C, London, UK

To all those loyal antipodeans, On Ya. I choose to live in Tasmania, self imposed exile, because I wanted to be a Brit, not a European,.The Monarchy is about the only thing you've got left worth talking about, give in to Nu Labour? I sincerely hope not. Rule Brittania and God Save the Queen!

Mike Kunz, Launceston, Australia

Not long after WWI, a Turkish minister showed up at the Sultan's palace in the evening, told him to pack what he could carry and be ready at 5am. The next morning he was taken to the station, given £200 & put on a train to Geneva. Members of the dynasty were banned from entering Turkey til the 1970s

James, Istanbul, Turkey

Buckingham Palace is owned by the Government as a result of the Monarchy passing the Crown Estates to the Government in return for the Civil List. Even at the dubious figure of £150m, we are still well in profit. The new 'Royal' plane is only being approved because GB wants to use it by the way.

Anthony, Brum,

royal family is outdated out of touch and unwanted by the majority of people' if they cant afford the palace then downsize like every body else does dont go bleating on about it. russia and france helped there royal familys out and i mean OUT think themselves lucky to be in the position they are .

steven, maidstone, kent

Adam Wells should walk carefully into work today. His employer may tell him that as he has various personal assets and cash, they will not be paying him a salary for his work and duties.

Jonathan Mills, Brighton,

In the article, if you simply replace references to the queen and monarchy with President and Presidency it does not look any better. I suggest the writers of negative comments about the upkeep of the Palace should voluntarily finance their employers premises - to set an example for HM to follow!

Jonathan Mills, Brighton,

There are quite a number things Britain should and needs to get rid of, the monarchy is NOT one of them. The views expressed in this column by Mike Hume are an outstanding example of 'champagne communism' hipocracy.

Les, Southport, England

Yeah, better copy what Nepal is doing! They are a model, first-world, free and democratic nation after all! No political corruption there. Down with Monarchy! Bring on the People's Republic (it worked for China after all!).

Kevin, Calgary, Canada

i want my 66p back i would rather give it to a pensioner who deserves it than that lot .

dory, newcastle, england

Paul Giles,Baku.We've already had a House of Orange thank you very much.You can see his followers every year wearing their ridiculous orange outfits causing uproar and mayhem in the north of Ireland.He crucified the Irish for which all we English have been blamed (and are STILL being blamed) .

Jan, London, England

Ok, put your money where your mouth is Charles. Give people a choice between an MP3 download or a Royal contribution. Oh, and if you do I'd suggest you pack your bags soon after.

B Redfern, Zdole, Slovenia

The monarchy's glorious past? Unless you really believe they were put here by God, it was a long and successful extortion racket. Our ancestors worked in the dirt to pay for all those palaces and layabouts. Now it's God Save the Queen! Unbelievable!

Graham Rounce, London, UK

No taxation without representation.

I vote no to the monarchy, yes to a digitized & networked, decentralized, single home for MPs, no Houses of Parliament or House of Lords government.

Bill Bird, Wallasey , UK

I dont think the Nepalese went about it in the right way. The Russians however dealt with the royal family in the proper manner.

Dave, Chesterfield, England

The Monarchy entered into a contract with the State to pay it an allowance in exchange for the State getting the Crown Estate. The former costs £40m, the latter earns £200m. Want to go back on that deal? Return the Crown Estates.

Roger Thornhill, London, UK

If it is just about money, the president of the Italian Republic is much more expesive for taxpayers than the British Queen! And we don't event elect it ourself: he is eledcted by the parliament after years and years of negotiations and fights .

Luca, Ravenna, Italy

We have a lot more freedom as subjects of the queen than we would ever have in a 'modern' republic where all power is in the hands of the same bunch of political shabs.
The monarchy is the potential focus of power which helps to defuse the seething anger which a lot of people have just now.

John Hawkins , Totnes, UK

The usual nasty envious spite. I expect the author would prefer it if Buck House is turned into a Ministry of Bureaucracy . The Monarchy thanks citizens for public service. It thanks people for doing their duty. It thanks people for charitable work. All Presidents stand for is money and ego.

Tracy, Manchester, UK

This column is disgusting and treasonable. The British will never want a republic. They instinctively hate politicians and love the sovereign, because they don't like being ruled by someone who WANTS the job.

Tom, London,

PM London Hate to tell you ducks but an elected Head of State would still get special rights but would deserve them far far less. You come from the New World where the class system is based on money not always honestly got and sometimes inherited. Our Head of State stands for better things .

Julia, Wimbledon, UK

I sincerely wish the Queen had greater powers to restrain mad egotistical Prime Ministers.

Edward, Barnes, UK

The queen gave up the right to tax payers money, when she gave the Royal Assent to the Lisbon Treaty. I feel betrayed, this country is going to down the pan.

R Brown, Ivybridge, UK

66p per head works out to around £1.50 per tax payer and this excludes what the royals should be paying in tax (let alone receiving handouts). I would much rather have one extra Starbucks coffee then a monarch. We can get rid of that dirge of a national anthem too!

Russell, Benfleet, England

What we need is an institution to counter the tyranny of democracy; a backstop which had the power to dismiss an elected dictatorship legitimized by the magic word "democratic", something non-elected but afforded respect by its history and longevity - perhaps a monarchy could fit the bill? - Oh no..

Steve, Birmingham,

The only argumnent made here for the royals is that it isn't as bad as politicians in charge. Given how lowly we all think of politicians, that's not much of a narguement is it?
Do these people also argue we should scrap parliament and let the royals run the show then?

Russell, Benfleet, England

The Prime Minister can behave as an absolute monarch - the alternative is gridlock. Except that the armed forces do not owe loyalty to him, nor is he permanent. Hence Britain hasn't had a political crisis since 1745. Change the constitution at our peril.

Malcolm McLean, Bradford, UK

If we get bored of a surveillance state we can vote to get rid of it. If we realise certain laws were useful but are no more, we can get rid of them. If we don't like our politicians we can get rid of them. If we get a written constitution we cannot get rid of it so...freedom to bear arms anyone?

PSF, London, UK

Dumb idea. The Windsors and Tudors made Britain what is today. Your royal family is what makes you different, and its one of the few royal families that still matter. Although the royals have personal problems, it's still better than having nothing. If anything though make them have real jobs.

Porus, New York -, USA

What utter twaddle. It's great to have a Head of State who is above politics and has far more wisdom and experience than any other. Who would you have - George Bush? John Precott? Cherie Blair? Come off it. If we need to save money, sack a few MPs or Ministers.

NBeale, London, England

For some people the grass is always greener.... but give me one example where a republic has a system which actually works out better than the one we have. I am not saying our system is perfect and the royals cetainlly aren't, but if it ain't broke...

Giles, Manchester,

"Can you imagine anyone better than the Queen to be head of state?" asks william Haines, northwood.
Well, frankly yes. But even better I can imagine no Head of State at all. Who needs one? Switzerland doesn't and they ain't doing so badly! Think of the money they save!

Gerard Mulholland, Paris, France

Fine idea in theory but on perfectly safe grounds saying it because it will never happen.

Apart from spineless politicians, the biggest stumbling block is that no one with a brain could imagine the Blair's missing the opportunity to go as Pres. and continue where they left off, but a lot worse.

Ken.H, Harrow,

The palaces (Buckingham, Kensington and Windsor Castle) are already owned by the government and restoration, repair, etc. is the government's responsibility. Has nothing to do with the monarchy existing or not.

jonathan, Brookline , usa

It is also worrying to see the amount of people on here who have pointed towards supporting these Marxist theories - pushing for total equality. Just remember that this theory has been tried and tested before, with devastating results.... There is no room for communism in this part of the world.

Hugo, Kensington, London,

The monarchy costs £40-150m a year. In return the government gets the revenue from the Crown Estate which was just over £200m last year.

But, it is not about money, the monarchy provides charitable support, advises to the government and protects our liberties. It is an excellent deal.

Jos, London,

I don't think the monarchy is good for this country. When we think of Britain we think of the monarchy. Now, you may say, what is wrong with that? I will tell you. Neither I nor you, are part of the Royal family - or their brigade of hangers-on - which means that I personally feel excluded.

James Thompson, Manchester , England

Only a bunch of sycophants could call a small made woman who looks and speaks like a 1950s schoolteacher "Her Majesty." If you think the Queen attracts tourists, try and get some more Hollywood celebrities to move to the UK - the number of tourists would quadruple, at least. And they would pay taxes

Mehul Kamdar, Des Plaines, IL, USA

A BBC report disparagingly implied that the summit of African heads of state in Sharm el-Sheikh would be unlikely to take effective action against the essentially unelected Robert Mugabe because half of them hadn't been democratically elected either.

Thank goodness we in the UK are different.

IanH, Glasgow,

Monarchy is too absurd for words. We could rid ourselves of it at a stroke. As Mick Hume suggests in his call to Gordon Brown to summon up some courage, we could bring in an elected presidency immediately. He certainly would not face a rebellion from the PLP on that one !

Republic Now !!!!

Gareth Robson, Beckenham, UK

Astonishing. One did not realize that Britain held its politicians in such high esteem compared to HMQ. For the sake of envy, you would prefer to trash what you have for the privilege of electing people that you will then turn around and deprecate. Call it the new politics of resentment I guess.

James Geoffrey, Falls Church, Virginia, USA

On the other hand Mick, you could get out. Try living in France where they simply adore and envy us our Royal family. Go to America and live under a succession of Presidents like the present incumbent, who came here fawning and grimacing, loving to stay at 'Buck House'. You want a republic? Go to..!

S. Barraclough, Huddersfield, W. Yorkshire

I am surprised that you do not know that Buckingham Palace does not belong to the Queen; it belongs to the state. I, for one, would rather have the monarchy than a sleazy European president, some of whom cost a great deal more money to run than the Queen.

C.Wood, Camberley, UK

*Tom Welsh, Basingstoke*

This is irrelevant, the people have democratically elected the four you stated - of course some feel that they have not been brilliant!

But the fact of the matter is it is about time that WE had the opportunity to choose who our head of state is, not for genetics to.

Ben Murray, Lowestoft, Great Britian

So you've finally admitted we actually have no constitutional rights in the UK. Get rid of the crown by all means, but not at the price of full transfer of authority to MPs unless you write a proper consitution that, first and foremost, sets out to limit their authority over the individual.

KR, Stockport,

As Jeremy Paxman mentions in his thoughtful book "On Royalty", republicanism in the United kingdon has for decades remained a minority pursuit akin to campaigning for phonetic spelling. If this is the best the republicans can do then I can see why! A president would cost at least as much!

John, Birmingham, United kingdom

To jo, London who was worried about the tourists - they don't come to see the queen. Please explain why Paris (capital of a Republic) has FAR MORE toursists than London.

We don't have to have a political President - look at the Irish 'figure head' President - respected throughout the World.

Brian, Rugby, UK

It is irrelevant that the various US presidents and UK prime ministers mentioned above have not necessarily been the best.

The point is that the people have had the opportunity to choose for themselves who is representing them, not the genetic lottery that currently decides upon our head of state.

Ben Murray, Lowestoft, UK

Mick, readers who want monarchy abolitished can sign the petition to the PM at http://petitions.pm.gov.uk/Anti-monarchy/ . Also, to be honest MPs, Republicans need an end to the Oath. Sign at http://petitions.pm.gov.uk/Republicanism/ . Both petitions are open till Monday 8th July only.

Gerard Mulholland, Paris, France

The monarchy is an archaic institution, a symbol of medieval defference. It is the lynchpin holding together our outdated political system. The abolition of the monarchy could usher in a new age in Britain, providing the impoteus for a codified constitution.

Calum, London, UK

By all means sack the House of Windsor - pompous, constipated and dull - and replace them with the House of Orange.

They actually make it look like fun, and Princess Maxima is a superstar.

Paul Giles, Baku, Azerbaijan

Queen gives the hope to each one of its residents and the world. But don't let any one change your mind about that. We don't want England to follow the track of Nepal. Communists destroyed the Nepal. What is happening in Tibbet .. leave the queen alone. Monarchy may be symbolic but it is pure..

dave, St. Louis, MO

such a constitutional settlement could guarentee our rights and liberties, along with enshrining the rights and responsibilites of citizens (yes citizens, not subjects) and outline the extent to which government can or cannot act/legislate. thus meaning greater democratic accountability.

Calum, London, UK

William Haines said "look at politicians expenses".

Ok. Total salary and expenses bill for over 640 MPs: around £155m a year.
Total bill for monarchy: around £150m a year.
That makes a working royal (of which there are 15) 17 times more expensive than an MP!

Graham Smith, Brighton, UK

Leave the Queen as it is god I would hate to think, what the country would be like we with some one else as leader, why is it that making things better allways means making things newer?

Why have we not learnt that some things are better left alone.

Mr W Jones, Liverpool, England

Without the Royals... England will become just another country with corrupt politicans and nothing to look upto. Royals has given a charm and respect to the country. It is beautiful to have an Educated Royalty and Beacon of Hope to the world that there is someone with pure hearts and minds..

dave, St. Louis, MO

Do we really trust ourselves so little? Do we really need this overseeing Monarch to keep our elected institutions in check? We are all born equal then we start the process of creating hierachy. And names are the quickest and easiest ways of doing it, the Windsors open doors. Let's live like adults

Jeremy, Seven Sisters, Britain

Why can't we have a Royal family similar in style to those in Scandinavia.

In 2008 with so many people unable to build or buy a small home ... how can we accept that one priveliged family has so much ?

ONE PALACE in LONDON.... the others are private - she should pay for their upkeep

Trish Niblock, Edinburgh, UK

Can you imagine anyone better than the Queen to be head of state? Power goes to the head of all elected politicians be they Thatcher, Blair or Mugabe. The Queen works extremely hard and cares more about her 'subjects' than elected politicians care about their constituents. Look at their 'expenses'.

william Haines, northwood,

For all the rationality behind getting rid of a monarchy I doubt we would see the slightest tangible change in our freedom or quality of life. Some of the most successful societies on the planet; Japan, Sweden, Holland; are monarchies. Do you consider them to not be modern??

DW, Beijing, China

Nothing lasts for ever, but without some form of tradition what kind of society would one have? If the country were a republic tomorrow the place would be duller for it. Long Live HM!

Martyn A , Bangkok,

The monarchy's glorious past? Unless you really believe they were put here by God, it was a long and successful extortion racket. Our ancestors worked in the dirt to pay for all those palaces and layabouts. Now it's God Save the Queen! Unbelievable!

Graham Rounce, London, UK

"It is the constitutional status of the Crown that enables the Prime Minister to act as an absolute monarch."

Quite. And that is why the government of the day will never move to abolish the monarchy. Turkeys don't vote for Christmas.

Andrew, Luxembourg,

The monarchy is living proof of "networking". Birth trumps achievement and social status abrogates expertise.
A Parliamentary Republic is needed. Allegiance sworn to Parliament ( note : not "The Govt")
Do Parents really think their own children not equal to the next lot due in Buck House ?

Peter Bolt, Redditch, UK

If we want to be a democratic nation saying goodby to royals is a must,Now it is 21st century

saad m, leeds, uk

But is anyone 'free' these days. If it's not the crown, it's the government, and if not the government, it's an over controlling police. We are, ultimately under someone's 'control'.

Arthur, Newcastle,

Whether you support the monarchy or not the reality is that we do not have a head of state, just a cypher. There have been numerous examples under NuLab where a genuine head of state would have affected the actions of government, the Treaty of Lisbon being the latest.

Tony Gee, London,

Better the Monarchy than a grotesque beauty contest every 5 years which would turn into a freak show with the monster raving looney party, etc. We'd only end up with a has-been politician (Blair) from the lower middle class.

But then I presume that that is what Hume is hankering after.

Mike, southport, UK

Excellent article. The Windsors are a dysfunctional bunch of johnny- come- lately foreigners. They are the reason why the real head of state did not need electing by popular vote and is accountable only to the voters of Scotland and why his predecessor President Blair, was free to wage war.

John Carr, Limoges, France

Democracy has given us Tony Blair, Gordon Brown, Bill Clinton, and George W Bush. The Queen knows more about practical politics and getting nations to agree than all four of them put together; and she is far more respected and admired worldwide than any of them. Bile and envy demean The Times.

Tom Welsh, Basingstoke,

We are not citizens, and not even subjects. We are all suspects, incarcerated in an open prison. Fined if we do, fined if we don't. Under constant surveillance. Unfree.

We can't elect our head of government because he cancelled the election by which the head of government seeks a mandate.

Nigel Wroe, Doncaster, Yorkshire

'Republics and freely elected heads of state are for adults' are they Mr. Hume? Well go live in Russia since you are so fond of communism and Marxism. There you can have your freely elected head of state and you won't even have to worry about being a legal subject of a medieval crown anymore.

Patricia Thornton, Veliko Tarnovo, Bulgaria

Same old same old from the Republicans. It'd be great if the government spent time addressing what really matters to UK life such as basic law and order, education and hospitals.
Most of her powers are ceremonial and as such lets move on - most of us want the monarchy rather than a president thanks

Martin Best, Yoevil, UK

Having been born in the "new world" I still cannot understand how Britons feel comfortable being subjects. It is just a matter of principles and the fact that a modern person cannot find a single argument to defend certain people having special rights in a modern society. This argument is all flawed

PM, London,

the burden of the proff should lie with people defending such an anachronic institution and not the other way around. And this also applies to the "house of lords" that take the same principles into the basic democratic institution "the parliament"

PM, London,

Hume describes himself as 'a libertarian Marxist' - an oxymoron if ever I saw one. One can either support liberty or the authoritarianism of Marxism: worship of the 'state', the Gulag and mass murder.

Or is Hume just attention seeking - like de white kids who tink dem black.

Grow up you silly man.

Anthony Price, Truro, Cornwall, UK

Presidents make me sick. They are all about ego ,money ,and ambition. The Monarchy is about history and public service which is why countries with a Monarch are nicer places. The author of this piece prefers money and political ambition as qualifications for Head of State. Pass the bucket.

Jack, Leeds, UK

The Queen has made a lot of concessions to how she used to live. Paying income tax, sale of the boat, opening up palaces to the paying public, as a means to help. Farm produce for sale, etc If the cost of living has gone up for us, then it has for the Queen, too. Come on, Gordon, open your purse !

margie , victoria, australia

In America:
"Daddy, when I grow up I'm going to be president!"
"Well, son, if you work hard and do well at school you never know. You've as much chance as anybody else."

In Britain:
"Daddy, when I grow up I'm going to be king!"
"Don't be silly."

That's reason enough to abolish the monarchy.

Mark, Leicester,

The British constitutional monarchy is not democratic. Republicans are banned from parliament (unless they lie in a public pledge of loyalty). Honest republicans cannot be magistrates or join the police. Parliament needs the monarch's permission to debate the monarchy.

kath, Nottingham, England

I would die to keep the non-political Head of State than have to vote in some over-hyped individual who is meant to speak on behalf of the people. Do you really want an english George W Bush? An article designed to stir up more than just debate.

Richard, Plymouth,

What is Professor Richard Dawkins's take on this?

Joseph, New York City, USA

Hume should actually read the Reports from the Palace & Clarence House (see www.royal.gov.uk): Head of State expenditure (which is not a salary-HM does't get one) AND property grants amount to .002 percent of the annual UK govt outlay. Quoting error-filled Republic crowd gives the agenda away.

Thomas Rex campbell, New York City,

Is it a coincidence that many of the most democratic, stable, eqitable and inclusive countries are constitutional Monarchies? From New Zealand and Sweden to Japan, Britain and Canada, they seem to operate a lot better than comparable republics. It's all about checks and balances.

Kim, Upper Woodstock, Australia

I live in Melbourne, Australia. One of the most advanced societies on earth. We have people from 180 diffrent countries and numerous more cultural backgrounds living in harmony in a well educated, technically advanced economy. Like Canada, we voted to keep the monarchy with an overwhelming majority.

Terry Reynolds, Melbourne, Australia

Don't underestimate the pyschological affiliation felt towards the institution of the monarchy and its accompanying ritual and tradition, which can't be replaced.Gone would be the trooping of the colour and the changing of the guard, and gone too the tourists who flock to see them...and their money.

jo, London,

George III swapped the Crown Estates for the civil list. Check the Crown estates website and you'll see it made £200m in profit. And we paid £40m back to the Monarchy. For which we get the state aspects of the government carried out and a number of apolitical royals on hand for community work...

J H Holloway, London,

A preposterous critique that offers few definite arguments for abolition of the monarchy, besides some vague theoretical absurdities suggesting that nobody is free under a monarchy. Personally, I feel unfree under Gordon Brown (42 days?) - and he has been elected.

Christos Shepherd, London, UK

My sister hast a lovely 3 bedroom semi for sale in Reading. If her majesty is interested...

Alex Hynes, Kobe, Japan

So the author argues that, in order to stop the encroachment on the prerogatives of parliament, the UK should cut out the middle man and give the executive the power to do so directly by electing a president. Laughable. Two words that are an unassailable argument for the monarchy: President Blair.

Uche Nwamara, Cambridge, United States

The way Mr Hume writes one would think that The Queen could sell off Buckingham Palace - she can't & it's a national monument. If it were opened all year long to tourists, the first thing would be to ensure that it is safe - at what cost? The US & UK class system IS built on money; eg the Bushes.

David Cunard, Los Angeles, United States

The crown also provides an opposition to parliament should parliament go bad, though. Even if this costs me as much as a whole 2.50 a year, I'm inclined to think it's worth it, unlike various intrusive, socialistic government schemes - I want a monarch as a safeguard against future Cromwells.

_Felix, Nottingham,

Yes, why don't all the countries in the world become the same with no pride of hertage or culture. If we're all the same, then there will be less to quarrel about, right?

Take some pride in your country and see the uniqueness of your monarchy and it's glorious past. God save the queen!

Robin Castellanos, San Antonio, TX, USA

The wya things are shaping up Britain will be a republic before Australia. Out here we are saddled with a foreigner as our head of state whose sporadic visits to this country are treated with a huge yawn. No disprespect to the Queen of course, but her relevance to this country is zilch.

Barry Everingham, Malvern, Victoria, Australia

Why do we have to pay for having Royals since they have billions in their bank accounts? Begging for taxmoney, what kind of pathetic attitude is this? Mike's idea to give them a notice is simply brilliant. Let's stop paying them anything and use their property to make money for the us the people.

Adam, T Wells, UK

So let's get rid of the Monarchy but first please tell me what I will gain - in real terms. 66p- I can live without that. The chance to call myself a citizen rather than a subject- ditto.
Will the government be any better- no. Will those with a class prejudice stop crying about how life's unfair...

Toby, Staines,

You don't get it. The monarchy is not a collection of personalities. It is simply an idea, which can enable our system to operate. Re finance: our government squanders billions; how much tax do our uberwealthy pay? And being a republic will help to improve things how, exactly?

Steve, Argyll,

The ironic thing is HM is considering buying a private plane.Kick her out if she can't afford to pay the bills.

john, shrewsbury, uk

The Monarchy is here, Mr Hume. If you do not like it, go and live somewhere else.

David Williams, Eastnor, England

Wow, couldn't agree more with the article and how refreshing to hear such truth against a world where traditions are sacrosanct and fully protected by nauseatingly royal apologists .

LTM, Glasgow,

You have got it wrong with this one Mick. Abolish the monarchy and all the crown prerogatives would fall into the lap of the elected dictator and the bureaucratic state. I think the monarch should exercise her prerogative or give it to people other than the PM.

william Haines, northwood,

Don't worry, a couple of years of King Charles will make us all republican.

G Winstanley, Walton on Thames,

If only we lived in a republic like Zimbabwe we'd be free citizens of a modern nation.

Michael Petek, Brighton, UK

Yeah - so we can have a President Hattersley, or President Blair or President Kinnock. Take your pick. And don't try and tell us that Presidential palaces would be any cheaper.
Or that tabloids would be less eager to print "Presidential family" scandals.
Stronger Parliament is the answer.

Jeremy, Lincoln, UK

Hear hear. At the very least we should be given a vote as to whether, upon the death of the Queen, we want the whole ridiculous charade to die with her. Otherwise our head of state will take up position without the electorate being consulted at all. How then is this a democracy and a meritocracy?

Paul Owen, Birmingham, UK

i am sick to my stomach after reading this traitorous bilgewater. we in Canada are a true democracy as well as a monarchy. the monarchy is not a truly absurd anacronism. anyone thinking so displays a profound ignorance. GOS SAVE THE QUEEN

richard samuelson, montreal, canada

Here in Australia we have a knee jerk popularist prime minister (I will use the respectful proper nouns when he restores respect to the office) who costs us $350,000.00 per year (about $0.01 per person) and that is way too much. At least the Royal Family actually "works".

Michael, Sydney, Australia

A t last someone expressing the deep problem of Britain's constitutional arrangements. The class society's existence is based on the monarchy and its not due to education or income

basil, cambridge,

Sooner or later, it would seem, all countries should get rid of their monarchies.

Tim, Sanford, ME, USA