What Do English People Think of the Royal Family? | Easy English 98

Summary

In this episode of Easy English, the host explores public opinion on the British monarchy while at the Brighton beach. The diverse responses range from viewing the royal family as an anachronism to appreciating their environmental leadership and continuity amidst societal change. The younger generation's potential to modernize the monarchy and make it more relatable is highlighted, along with the Queen's enduring dedication and the family's significant cultural and economic impact on the UK.

Takeaways

• 👑 The British public has a diverse range of opinions on the monarchy, with some seeing it as an institution with secrets and others as a symbol of national pride.
• 🔍 There is a curiosity among people to know more about the royal family's real life, beyond the facade they present to the public.
• 📉 Some individuals believe the royal family should be streamlined, as they currently seem too large and cumbersome.
• 🌿 The royal family is perceived by some as being at the forefront of environmental issues, leading the way in sustainability.
• 🔄 Opinions on the royal family have evolved over time, with some initially skeptical individuals coming to appreciate their role in society.
• 🔗 The royal family is seen by some as an anachronism, but also as a source of continuity and stability during times of change.
• 👍 The younger generation of the royal family, particularly Prince William and Kate, is expected to modernize the monarchy and be more approachable.
• 🤔 There is a debate about the appropriateness of referring to the royal family as 'the firm,' with some finding it distasteful.
• 🏰 The royal family's ownership of palaces and other properties is seen by some as a benefit to the nation, as they are considered national assets that generate tourism revenue.
• 👸 The Queen is highly respected for her long service and is credited with bringing the royal family into the modern era while maintaining traditional values.
• 🌱 Prince Charles is acknowledged for his environmental initiatives and is seen as a bridge between the traditional and modern views of the royal family.
• 🌐 Prince William's 'Earthshot' project is highlighted as a significant global environmental initiative that reflects the younger royals' commitment to the future.
• 🏴󠁧󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿 The Welsh background of one interviewee initially led to questioning the value of the royal family, but their opinion has shifted over time due to the family's environmental leadership.
• 👦 Prince Harry's decision to step back from royal duties is seen as a break from tradition, reflecting a desire for personal freedom and a different path.
• 👵 The Queen's adherence to protocol and tradition has shaped her reign, but the next generation of royals is expected to bring a more modern approach to their roles.

Q & A

What is the general sentiment of the people of Brighton towards the monarchy as expressed in the transcript?

The people of Brighton have mixed views about the monarchy. Some believe the royal family has many secrets and a facade that needs to be broken down, while others see them as a great institution and appreciate their environmental leadership and continuity in times of change.

How has the opinion of one interviewee changed over the years regarding the royal family?

The interviewee's opinion has evolved from questioning the value and worth of the royal family, especially considering their Welsh background, to recognizing their role in leading environmental initiatives and being at the cutting edge of societal changes.

What does the term 'firm' refer to in the context of the transcript?

In the transcript, the term 'firm' is used by some interviewees to describe the royal family, although one person expresses dislike for the term, arguing it is a horrible way to describe them.

What is the significance of the Queen's role according to the transcript?

The Queen is seen as having done a wonderful job throughout her reign, holding the country together and being a significant figure that brings tourists and revenue into the country.

How do the interviewees perceive the younger generation of the royal family?

The younger generation, particularly Prince William and Kate, is viewed as doing a great job and is expected to modernize the monarchy, making it more approachable and less aloof.

What is Prince William's 'Earthshot' initiative mentioned in the transcript?

The 'Earthshot' initiative is a project championed by Prince William that aims to address environmental challenges and is being taken around the world, with the next location mentioned being the United States.

How do some interviewees feel about Prince Harry's decision to step back from royal duties?

Some interviewees believe that Prince Harry may have gone a step too far in opting out of royal duties, while others see it as a break from tradition and an expression of his desire for freedom.

What is the general view on the relevance of the royal family in today's society as per the transcript?

There is a difference of opinion on the relevance of the royal family. Some believe they are still needed and provide a sense of continuity and stability, while others think society could function without them.

What are the perceived benefits of having a royal family according to the transcript?

The perceived benefits include providing a sense of tradition and continuity, attracting tourism and revenue, and offering a balance in the community.

How do the interviewees think the royal family could change in the future?

The interviewees predict that the royal family will become thinner in terms of members, with a focus on the core family, and that the younger generation will bring a more modern approach to their roles.

What is the attitude towards Prince Charles as expressed in the transcript?

Prince Charles is seen as having started to make changes within the royal family, although not without controversy, and is recognized for his environmental consciousness and initiatives.

Outlines

00:00

👑 Public Opinions on the Monarchy

This paragraph captures a range of public opinions on the British monarchy while on the beach in Brighton. People express varied thoughts, from seeing the royal family as secretive and in need of transparency to considering them a great institution. Some believe the royal family is too large and cumbersome, while others have changed their views over time, appreciating the family's environmental leadership. The conversation also touches on the royals' role in providing continuity and stability amidst societal change, and expectations that the younger generation will modernize the monarchy, making it more relatable and less aloof.

05:03

🌏 The Monarchy's Relevance and Role in Society

The second paragraph delves into the relevance and societal role of the royal family. It discusses the public's perception of the monarchy as an anachronism but also acknowledges the comfort many find in the continuity they provide during times of change. The conversation highlights Prince William and Kate Middleton's efforts in environmental initiatives and their approachability, suggesting a more modern and public-engaged monarchy. It also touches on Prince Harry's decision to step back from royal duties and the Queen's unwavering service to the nation, reflecting on the evolving nature of the royal family and its place in contemporary society.

10:04

🏰 The Future of the Monarchy and Public Perception

In the final paragraph, the discussion centers on the future of the monarchy and its ongoing relevance to British society and culture. It includes speculation on Prince Charles and William's potential to streamline the royal family, focusing on its core members. The paragraph also reflects on the Queen's adherence to traditional values and the possibility of a more modern approach under the younger generation. The summary concludes with the acknowledgment of the royal family's importance to Britain, both in terms of tourism revenue and as a symbol of national identity, while recognizing the differing opinions on their necessity in modern times.

Keywords

💡Monarchy

Monarchy refers to a form of government in which a single individual, usually known as a king or queen, holds supreme power. In the context of the video, the monarchy is the British royal family, which is a central theme as the video explores public opinions on their role and relevance. For example, one interviewee mentions that the royal family is 'a great institution'.

💡Royal family

The term 'royal family' denotes the family of a reigning monarch. In the video, this concept is crucial as it discusses the public's perception of the British royal family, their role in society, and their impact on the country's identity and economy. The script includes various opinions, from viewing them as 'over-privileged' to being 'at the cutting edge of the environment'.

💡Anachronism

Anachronism is a term used to describe something or someone that is outdated or belongs to another time. In the script, one person describes the royal family as 'generally an anachronism,' suggesting that they are seen by some as no longer relevant in modern society, despite the public's affection for them.

💡Continuity

Continuity in this context refers to the ongoing and uninterrupted existence of an institution or tradition. The script mentions that many people love the feeling of continuity that the royal family provides, especially 'in times of unprecedented, catastrophic sometimes, change,' indicating the comfort some derive from the constancy of the monarchy amidst societal shifts.

💡Modernization

Modernization is the process of making something current or up-to-date with the norms and values of the present time. The video discusses the expectation that the younger generation of the royal family will bring about changes, making them 'more modern' and 'more approachable,' reflecting a desire for the monarchy to adapt to contemporary society.

💡Cutting edge

Being 'at the cutting edge' means being at the forefront of development or innovation. The script praises the royal family for being 'at the cutting edge of it' in terms of environmental leadership, suggesting that they are seen as progressive and influential in important contemporary issues.

💡Tourism

Tourism refers to the industry that involves the traveling and staying away from home for leisure. The video mentions the royal family's role in attracting 'a huge amount of tourists into the country,' which is a significant economic benefit and part of their perceived value to society.

💡National identity

National identity is the sense of belonging and attachment to one's country. The script touches on the royal family's role in holding the country together and being a symbol of national pride, with one person expressing being 'proud to be British' and associating this pride with the royal family.

💡Tradition

Tradition refers to customs or beliefs passed down through generations. The video discusses the tension between tradition and modernity within the royal family, with some interviewees noting the need for the younger members to move away from 'old traditional royalty' and become more relatable to the public.

💡Public opinion

Public opinion is the collective view of a community on a particular matter. The entire script is based on gathering and presenting various public opinions on the British royal family, showcasing a range of perspectives from admiration to criticism, and everything in between.

💡Cultural relevance

Cultural relevance refers to the significance or importance of something within a culture or society. The video explores whether the royal family is still relevant to today's society and culture, with opinions varying from those who believe they offer a needed balance to those who think they are an outdated institution.

Highlights

People of Brighton share diverse opinions on the monarchy.

Some believe the royal family has many secrets and a facade that needs breaking down.

Opinions have evolved over time, with some seeing the royal family as leaders in environmental issues.

The royal family is viewed by some as an anachronism but also as a symbol of continuity amidst societal change.

Expectations for the next generation of the royal family to be more modern and approachable.

The royal family's role in holding the country together and their impact on tourism.

Most royal properties belong to the nation, and they provide employment for many.

The royal family's adaptability and movement towards a more relatable image.

Prince William and Kate are praised for their current role and initiatives like the 'Earthshot' prize.

The Queen's long and diligent service to the nation is highly regarded.

Debate on the relevance of the royal family in today's society and their potential future.

The younger generation of the royal family is expected to make the monarchy more modern.

Harry's decision to step back from royal duties and the implications for the family.

The Queen's adherence to protocol and the potential for the next generation to do things their way.

The potential for the royal family to become thinner in number, focusing on the core members.

The royal family's representation of British values and their role in community balance.

The evolution of the royal family's public image and their connection with the public.

The importance of the royal family's environmental initiatives and their global impact.

The potential for a modern monarchy under Prince William, with a focus on current societal issues.

Invitation for viewers to share their thoughts on the British royal family and their own royal families.

Transcripts

Hello, welcome to Easy English.

So today, I’m on the beach and I want to find out

what the people of Brighton think of the monarchy.

This is what Brits think of  the royal family, here we go!

I think the royal family is…  they have a lot of secrets.

I think sort of, the royal  facade needs to be broken down.

I think people are really  interested in finding out

about what their life is really like

and all of the things that people  have hidden like, in the past.

I think the royal family is a great institution.

I'm glad it's gonna be slimed  down, I think it's too big.

Yeah. - Too cumbersome. - Yeah.

What is your general opinion of the royal family?

I think my opinion of the royal  family have changed over the years.

I… When I was younger, I’m from  a Welsh background, obviously.

I kind of like, always questioned  about the… the kind of,

the value and worth of the royal family.

But, as I've grown older and  certainly (with the) environment

in which we live in now, when  we talk about the environment,

I think they’re at the cutting edge  of it and I think they are leading.

Well I think they're generally an anachronism.

But, as I… my life has progress,

I've gone from thinking they're sort of,

the devilish side of society, over-privileged,

over-educated, but in a very narrow band. - Right.

To thinking that actually, many,

many people love that feeling of continuity,

in times of unprecedented,  catastrophic sometimes, change.

Okay so, let’s ask the question then;

what are your thoughts,  generally speaking right now,

on the royal family? - I think they do a good job,

I think this next generation will change things,

I think they’re gonna be  more modern, they gonna be…

I think they’re gonna interact with the public

in a more approachable way, not so aloof.

I think it's quite exciting.

Yeah, what are your sort of,  general thoughts on the royal family

as a whole, as like, the  firm. - I hate the word firm,

I think it's a horrible way to describe them.

I think they are the royal family,

I’m very proud of them, I’m  proud to be British and erm…

I think they do an awful lot  of good, by just being there,

holding the country together,  particularly the Queen.

Yeah. - I think she’s done the most wonderful job,

all these years that she’s been on  the throne, which is a long time.

Yeah. - And erm… they bring a huge  amount of tourists into the country,

which brings an awful lot  of revenue into the country.

And I think one of the things  that people forget, when they say;

''Oh well, of course they own  all these palaces and this,

that and the other''. They actually  belongs to the nation, most of them.

And they employ a vast amount of people.

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What your thoughts? - Yeah, very  similar actually, very similar.

Yeah, I think… I think Charles was a…

has probably been a… a sort of, go-between.

Between the old traditional  royalty that, as you say,

stood aloof and was slightly  remote. Which I think, to be honest,

the generation probably before ours enjoyed,

because they sort of set them on a…

on a pedestal and they represented  something quite iconic and different.

Whereas, I think as the  generations have changed and the…

and the world's changed, really.  That sort of… that sort of,

different hierarchical structures has…

has become very much softened  and therefore the sort of,

the royalty has had to move  towards the… dare we say it,

the common man. You know, more… in a more, yeah.

In a the more acceptable way, really.

I mean, I think the royal family  through the years has been like,

a lot of people were really interested in them.

But, I… there's a lot of like,  misconceptions about the royal family

in like, what they are actually like in real life.

I think they're kind of, glorified and their life

is probably not as like, sort of,  romanticised as what people think.

It’s probably quite hard to sort  of, keep themselves to themselves

and actually do like, their royal  duties as people hope that they do.

But I think that prince William and prin…

and Kate are doing a great job at the moment.

And erm… he’s doing his ''Earthshot'' thing,

which I think is a wonderful enterprise.

And particularly as he’s not  just leaving it in the UK,

he's taking the ''Earthshot'' around the world.

And so, I think the next one is the United States,

so I think that's a very important time.

So he's championing something,  but the other thing I think…

I think about him is that, he's  thinking about the young people

and their futures. He said at the time,

that he's concerned about his family  and he was able to take the conc…

concerns for his family to a  greater audience… audience,

all the families that have young children;

how nervous they are, how  challenged they are, by the future.

So I think he’s flagging up some  real issues, so come on William!

Give us some more! And the Queen  is wonderful, we love Queeny.

Yeah? - We love her to bits and she’s  served her nation with diligence,

throughout the years. She said  she’d serve and she has served.

Wow! - There are a few wasters  on the edges, but that's life.

Charle… Charles I think, has  started it in a very limited way,

but I think he's sort of,  not exactly broke the mould,

but he… he certainly sort of  er… started to put sort of,

steps out there to… to… to make some changes,

not always appreciated as a…  as I’m sure we all realise,

but in his own ways. And then… and then, as I say,

William and Kate have really picked  up the mantle and… and… and gone on.

I'm not sure whether Harry has  probably gone a step too far, really.

I think he's probably… I dunno, what do you think?

in terms of, you know… - I think  he’s… he’s… feels free enough to say;

I don't want to do this, I'm  gonna go do something else.

No, he’s not hidebound by the traditions,

that a younger sibling would  have been perhaps, historically.

In the sense that, the way Anne  and Andrew were behind Charles.

I suppose, he's broken those  boundaries, hasn’t he? He’s said;

well, you know… - He’s opting out, a little bit.

Yeah; I’m not going to be part of  the… the… the firm, as it were.

The firm, yeah. - So I'm gonna,  you know… - Do my own thing.

And I don't think the Queen has  had a lot of choices, really.

I think she's been bound by protocol  and ''this is what you gotta do''

and ''this is how you do it''.

And… and I… yeah, I just  think this next generation

will do it a little bit more their way.

Would you say… do you think  which is still need them?

Are they still relevant? Do we  benefit from having a royal family?

Well, only relevant, I think as society has become

more fractured and strange.

And although they are strange,  I think in an odd way,

they represent some people, I  do. And er… I would never of…

you know, 50/60 years ago, if  I’d had an opinion 60 years ago,

I wouldn't have, ever thought I'd  hear that come out of my mouth.

Do you think we need a royal family, still?

I would say not, but I think  a lot of people really like,

idealise them and see them as  massive celebrities. - Yes.

So, dunno. Difference of opinions, I guess.

Do you think there’s erm… positives  and negatives to not having them?

Yeah, definitely. So, the positives  to not having the royal family;

I think, there's less sort  of, hierarchy in our society.

But I think the negatives of not having them;

a lot of people would feel  like, the past is kind of,

not carried into the present. And  they’ll feel like, really sort of,

nostalgic about what used to be  really important in our society.

Okay, So are you kind of summarising that kind of,

keep them, but that we give them less sort of er…

we idolise them a little bit less  or give them a little bit less

power in certain aspects? -  Yeah definitely, I think so.

Interesting that the point  you were making last… a bit…

a minute ago about you know, Harry kind of,

opting out and the Queen kind  of, maybe having to just,

take this all on. - Yeah. - Do we need them?

Do you think we need the royal family, anymore?

I think… I think it's gonna be…  I think they… I think Charles…

I think William and Kate will  thin… thin the royal family down.

I think it’s gonna get thinner  and thinner and thinner.

Yeah, in terms of the sort of,  hangers… not exactly hangers on,

but the… historically it’s been a…  it’s been a lot of people, hasn’t it?

You know, the royal family… - Do we need them?

We probably don’t need all the Duke of Gloucesters

and all that sort of, lot. I think…

I think in terms of the core,  I think they do… you know,

they are still very well  respected around the world.

And… and I think they do offer  a… a balance in the community.

Well, all of them really.

I think they… bec… because they have shown…

the Queen has demonstrated her father's values.

I mean, she did take on her father's valued…

values and erm… has not changed very much.

And I think that's kind of,  representative of her generation.

You know, very much the war  years and all that and then,

you've got her son particularly, Prince Charles;

brought up in public school,  if he’s odd, well that would…

that would account for it, I think.

Not… not having a… a broad enough chil…

range of experiences as a child.

And then, the younger royals; they you know,

Prince William wasn't expected to marry a virgin,

was able to establish a relationship,

an adult relationship before  any commitment was made.

And met his wife's family, who  were you know, they'd worked, they…

what do they call them?  Trolley dollies, on an airline.

Oh yeah, trolley dollies, yeah. - You know I mean,

so I think the young royals  might have a happier experience

and I hope they have a happier experience.

Can I ask then, because usually,  my next question to people is erm…

do you think we still need them?  Which… and I think you’d say yes,

because like you say, we… it keeps  jobs and they actually do bring…

Huge amounts of people in, a lot of revenue.

Yeah, but my next question for you then, would be;

as you think they are important  to kind of, British… to Britain,

do you think they’re still  relevant or they’re still

current with today’s climate,  today’s society, today’s culture?

Yes, yes I do. I think the Queen… I mean,

being 95 now and not so well, has got to sort of,

I’m mean, I’m sure she cares an awful lot,

which is not sort of, quite  out there at the moment.

You know, they’ve got to be careful with her.

Charles has always, always being  very conscious of being green

and the future and climate  change and everything else.

And all his speeches attached to  that and his projects and things all…

and his you know, if one  went to Highgrove (gardens),

which I haven't done, but I…  I’ve… some of my family have,

say it’s wonderful.

You know, he's very caring about how things work

and keeping wildlife going  and all that sort of thing.

And William, being next in line, as we know,

has just done these various global…

can’t remember what it was called  but, global-something or an other.

And gave out these prizes to people  who’d got initiatives into how to…

you know, get power from the sea, or  whatever it was that they’re doing.

And I think he’s highly  motivated and… and hopefully,

if he gets the chance a very…  will be a very good king,

with a modern twist.

Thanks for watching this week’s episode.

Let us know in the comments below you thoughts

on the British royal family  and of your royal family…

if you have ‘em.

And we’ll see you next week, bye.