Quote Originally Posted by Banquo's Ghost View Post
It seems that the real point is being missed.

The substantive problem with European monarchies is that they are so increasingly middle class. I mean, this fellow is engaging in trade! No wonder he has lost the dignity of his office.

Trying to lay corruption at the feet of monarchy alone rather disregards the alternatives; Berlusconi's republic, for starters.
I take it you have never engaged in, ahem, "trade"?

I do agree though, Republics like Italy and Greece make monarchies extremely attractive. On the other hand, Germnay, France and Ireland seems to manage moderately well.