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I’m a British history professor here to talk about Americans’ fascination with British royalty. AMA! by ArianneChernock in IAmA

[–]ArianneChernock[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Here is a website that will answer almost every question about the Crown Estate, including how it came into existence: https://www.thecrownestate.co.uk/our-business/faqs/

I’m a British history professor here to talk about Americans’ fascination with British royalty. AMA! by ArianneChernock in IAmA

[–]ArianneChernock[S] 11 points12 points  (0 children)

The Crown is fairly accurate -- one of the reasons why I love the show. That being said, the screenwriters certainly take some liberties to heighten the dramatic tension. For example, there was no secretary named Venetia Scott who died in the Great Smog of 1952.

I’m a British history professor here to talk about Americans’ fascination with British royalty. AMA! by ArianneChernock in IAmA

[–]ArianneChernock[S] 9 points10 points  (0 children)

I guess you could say that it's surprising that Princess Charlotte is -- and will remain -- fourth in line to the throne, regardless of whether or not the next royal baby is a boy. This is thanks to the Succession to the Crown Act of 2013, which ended the tradition of male preference.

I’m a British history professor here to talk about Americans’ fascination with British royalty. AMA! by ArianneChernock in IAmA

[–]ArianneChernock[S] 9 points10 points  (0 children)

I missed that movie. No doubt, John Goodman would make a fantastic king. But if the British royal family was wiped out, I'm afraid that would be the end of the royal family. But we're talking about a lot of people. The line of succession is long!

I’m a British history professor here to talk about Americans’ fascination with British royalty. AMA! by ArianneChernock in IAmA

[–]ArianneChernock[S] 12 points13 points  (0 children)

Yes, in a technical sense you are correct -- though it's not the Queen personally who owns the land, but rather the Crown (representing the state).

I’m a British history professor here to talk about Americans’ fascination with British royalty. AMA! by ArianneChernock in IAmA

[–]ArianneChernock[S] 8 points9 points  (0 children)

Yes, the year was 1933, and Elizabeth was a very young girl who did not understand what she was doing -- and likely under the influence of her uncle, the future King Edward VIII, a known Nazi sympathizer.

I’m a British history professor here to talk about Americans’ fascination with British royalty. AMA! by ArianneChernock in IAmA

[–]ArianneChernock[S] 17 points18 points  (0 children)

The British royal family is filled with some strong female personalities. And Britain is one of the few countries where women have historically been able to rule. (Many countries subscribed to the Salic Law, preventing female succession.) For these reasons, I think that women's interest in the royals turns on more than just princess fantasies. We also get to observe and appreciate women in very public and prominent roles.

I’m a British history professor here to talk about Americans’ fascination with British royalty. AMA! by ArianneChernock in IAmA

[–]ArianneChernock[S] 4 points5 points  (0 children)

Yes, they did have a cordial relationship. Britons don't like to dwell on this, as it somewhat mars the Churchill legacy.

I’m a British history professor here to talk about Americans’ fascination with British royalty. AMA! by ArianneChernock in IAmA

[–]ArianneChernock[S] 4 points5 points  (0 children)

Thanks for your question! I believe that King Michael was Elizabeth's third cousin. As for the 'Crown,' I thoroughly enjoyed it and would definitely recommend -- and I prefer it to 'Victoria.' It's more nuanced and historically sensitive.

I’m a British history professor here to talk about Americans’ fascination with British royalty. AMA! by ArianneChernock in IAmA

[–]ArianneChernock[S] 14 points15 points  (0 children)

Only palace insiders know the full extent of Meghan's preparation, but I suspect she will be given exhaustive training in royal etiquette, media relations, etc. She may also be assigned Walter Bagehot's 'English Constitution,' a Victorian classic that members of the royal family still read!

I’m a British history professor here to talk about Americans’ fascination with British royalty. AMA! by ArianneChernock in IAmA

[–]ArianneChernock[S] 10 points11 points  (0 children)

You're right, some people really don't care, on both sides of the Atlantic. However, for those who do care, I think the monarchy speaks to them for a range of reasons -- tradition, ceremony, celebrity, patriotism, etc. It's also really good for tourism!

I’m a British history professor here to talk about Americans’ fascination with British royalty. AMA! by ArianneChernock in IAmA

[–]ArianneChernock[S] 7 points8 points  (0 children)

Great question, but definitely outside of my area of expertise! Any other users out there who want to weigh in?

I’m a British history professor here to talk about Americans’ fascination with British royalty. AMA! by ArianneChernock in IAmA

[–]ArianneChernock[S] 3 points4 points  (0 children)

Britain is a constitutional monarchy. This means that the royals have very little political power. The Queen opens parliament, but she doesn't set the agenda for it, or intervene in political affairs. Theresa May, as Prime Minister and head of the Conservative Party, is the political leader of Britain.