The problem the British monarchy faces is two-fold:

1. They have to compromise the standards and values they should uphold in order to appear fallible and 'human' and thus retain their popular appeal in a country that has embraced the cult of the weak, the underdog.

2. They have been stripped of all purpose and power, simply acting as a glorified international relations committee. Thus they need popular support and press coverage to maintain their relevance.

Maybe it's just me but you can almost see the hatred for the modern world in the eyes of some of the monarchy, particularly Prince Charles and Prince Philip. Both seem to be full of pent up rage which they dare not vent for fear of jeopardising the institution and their family's future. If Charles really spoke his mind on the environment or Philip his thoughts on multiculturalism, the media would be swift to gleefully hammer the final nail in the monarchy's coffin.

I think it's a position many people in the Western world face: family in the short-term or the future in the long run. As responsible adults and parents, it is a painful position to be in.

The UK can keep the monarchical government if they want too, but they should at least replace the current royalty with a family that isn't completely dysfunctional. A family Britain could be proud of would be a nice change of pace.

"The Christian religion is a human invention like the faith of the Jews and the Arabs"--Benedetto Caetani, Pope Boniface VIII