The royal family is an anachronistic institution whose laugh-by date expired years ago. The mere thought of a head of state based on the simple privilege of birth should be anathema to a modern democracy ââ'¬â€œ_particularly as our monarch's amorphous relationship with parliament and the government is one of the key reasons why a written constitution has not been forthcoming.

While there's no denying the historical role of the monarchy, that was the past and it has no part to play in our future. In fact, the sooner we get rid of them the sooner we can stop feeding on our artery-clogging history and move on with a bit more purpose.

Furthermore, it's the fact that their wealth is unearned that is so distasteful (and wholly at odds with the post-Thatcherite meritocracy). Take away their state support (ring any bells?), give back the land and treasures that notionally belong to the nation anyway and let's see if they can stand on their own two feet ââ'¬â€œ_just like the rest of us have to.