General Discussion
In reply to the discussion: British Royal Family to Play a Big Role in Trump's Upcoming Visit to the UK [View all]Hekate
(90,674 posts)...a big part of it. They have to represent the UK. Sometimes it's pleasant, as with the Obamas, and other times they have to make nice to nasty but important people like the Trumps. You think the UK wants a trade war with the US?
The Queen has to deal pleasantly with presidents, prime ministers, rulers, and ambassadors. Given how ancient she is now, it only makes sense that her sons, grandsons, and their wives will take on a big part of the job.
The extended Royal Family have a fairly full calendar of hospital openings, ribbon cuttings, award presentations, and travels to foreign lands to keep friendships and alliances alive. It's required. The notion that a young woman who marries a British prince will get to sit around eating bon-bons is mistaken. I would not want the job.
As for the pomp and pageantry some here complain of, a lot of that seems to have begun around a century ago as -- pay attention now -- a way to get tourists to come and spend money. Also to be of interest to locals. And it works.