Exactly – you can find the figures easily enough – not just in the Mail. It is also worth pointin ig out that the 7.9 million has remain unchanged for 20 years. Name me any other State organisation which has had its funding frozen for 20 years?

We pay very little indeed for our Head of State and because of the Civil List settlement the crown Estates contribute more than 200 million to the Treasury coffers.

In his defence we should point out that, as reported earlier, he has “twittered” that he has no intention of not bowing should he meet Her Maj on Thursday. As Blue says – mountains out of molehills, perhaps…………:)

:confused: So far as I am aware the Queen is Andy Murray’s Head of State – or do you know something about him, that I don’t….?

No, I believe the Canary Islands would be better as part of Spain!

Why?

Fair enough, shake hands and move on eh? Enjoyed the discussion.

Yeah its all conjecture at present isn’t it, we might have a slightly clearer idea after the manchild Osbourne has finished today.

Good man – me too. Yes, I suspect there might be a bit of tinkering at the fringes of defence to make a point. Central admin, perhaps, if nothing else.

Obviously, the Queen, who has shown more statesmanship and dignity in her long tenure than most of our elected representatives in a fraction of the time.

I agree about the ridiculous waste of money involved, but here’s a question – how many of us and how many travellers generally actually call it London Gatwick Airport? I grew up calling it Gatwick and that is what is was known as during the 15 or more years I used it on a regular basis. Perhaps all they are doing is formalising what already exists. In the same way I cannot recall ever having heard Heathrow called London Heathrow.