An EU Head of State, eh? Empires are not appropriately capped by republican institutions, but by monarchies.
So, how about a monarch dynastically connected to almost every other Royal House still reigning in the EU (I can’t find a link to Luxembourg, but perhaps I just need to look harder), who has plenty of German blood, and whose Heir Apparent’s father has practically nothing else, although he is closely connected (as the monarch herself is also, if more distantly, connected) to the House that, until less than a century ago, reigned over Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, and much of present-day Poland? And how about a monarchy effecting bonds of peace with 15 other sovereign states, plus their Associated States and their Dependencies, in the Americas and the Pacific, something that no other monarchy can offer?
In other words, might the last Emperor of India’s daughter be the first Empress of Europe?
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Tell that to the French, they merrily continued to have an Empire well after they got rid of their last Emperor in 1871.
ReplyDeleteOtto von Habsburg has already applied for the job. You can visit his website and read about it. I think he refuses to die until he gets it.
I suppose his hand is strengthened (or maybe not) since his dad used to rule over Austria, Hungary, the Czech Republic, Slovakia, Slovenia as well as parts of Italy, southern Poland and most of present day Romania - and that is the parts that are in the EU. Then you have bits of Serbia and Montenegro along with the whole of Croatia.
That is of course the Habsburg lands before it went down the swannie. Of course at times the Habsburgs ruled bits of Germany, Southern Italy, Spain, Portugal and the Low Countries.
An impressive dynastic CV you would agree even if the family is now a busted flush.
Whereas no one could accuse the House of Windsor, looking out over its 15 Realms and various other Territories, of being a busted flush. In fact (unlike, say, the Habsburgs), they are a most encouraging example of just how far even the most improbable lower-middle-class family can get if it is given the breaks and applies itself.
ReplyDeleteThere is never going go be agreement over getting some politician to do the job, so I honestly do think that, although of course an outside bet, this really might be one to watch. The Windsors and their ancestors have pulled off tricks no less remarkable in their day, all to do with being in the right place at the right time, and with not being any of the more obvious alternatives. So, as I say, one to watch?
I was meaning that the Habsburgs were a busted flush. Otto does not even live in Austria (although apparently he can now, preferring to live in Bavaria (Chemisee I believe) and plotting his dynasty's return to power----
ReplyDeleteForgot to mention they also controlled a large chunk of Western Ukraine. Going on holiday there next month.
Probably if there was a united Europe they would probably have a rotating head of state between the constituent countries - like Malaysia - so the Windsors would get their turn.
Yet more sucking up to the monarchy David. Hung Parliaments are becoming more likely, so who knows? Charles III might have to choose a PM himself in 20 years time. I'm right aren't I, David. Go on, admit it.
ReplyDeleteFunny how you never mention that, although it is at one or two degrees remove, you do actually have friends at court. And court is going to become a much more politicised place when the Queen dies or gets too old to do things herself.
At least you'e going straight to the top instead of doing what Roy Jenkins did and plotting with society hostesses to get word back to the Queen. But the Old Labour right-wing really does ride again in the form of David Lindsay.