Pom in Oz: Queen’s Platinum Jubilee celebrations reinforce my belief that royals should be irrelevant

One thing I don’t miss and will never miss about my home nation of England is the obsession some have with the royals and aristocracy.

This was constantly rammed down out throats during the Queen’s recent Platinum Jubilee celebrations. With report after report of the royals getting up to their royal business and the press making meals of every move they make.

I honestly wish the members of the royal family no ill will and hope they are happy and well, just as I would wish anyone one else living on the planet.

But, honestly, do we really care about Kate and Wills’ little cherubs and how they may or may not have ‘shushed’ their mother or how the older sister told off her brother?

How is this still news in the 21st century? At least when the pop stars and film stars get the attention they have actually done something to earn their place in the media’s attention. But when are we going to see being born into abject privilege as abhorrent in the modern world?

It goes even further with the titles bestowed upon this class of people. Lord, Lady, Sir, Madam, Dame — no, I really don’t think so. No one has the right to be a Lord over anyone else — that should have died with the Vikings.

I get knighthoods (within reason), bestowing an honour upon someone who’s earned it. But so many people miss out on these (where is Steve Irwin’s title?)

Maybe Albo will take advantage of his newfound popularity and bring the republic debate back to the table? And maybe Australia can break free of the shackles of this backwards tradition?

I know a lot won’t agree and that’s fine. Everyone is entitled to their opinions, but just ask yourself — what have any of these people done for you? What gives them the right to be a prince over you? A Queen? A King? A Duke?

Unless the King is leading a charge on horseback into a crowd of warriors, I am sorry, you won’t get much interest from me.

Derek Goforth is a teacher at Geraldton Christian College