You and us both
It would seem our friends across the Atlantic were just as taken aback by the sight of Prince Charles delivering the State Opening of Parliament speech on Tuesday as we were.
Americans on social media have been reacting to footage of the royal next in line for the throne discussing the ongoing cost of living crisis in the UK – all the while sitting on a literal gold throne, adorned with diamonds, clad in medals himself and sat next to a jewel-encrusted crown.
I will never understand why the British taxpayers support this nonsense.
— Allison Marie (@amhwohl) May 10, 2022
English monarch announces the government’s top priority is to “help ease the cost-of-living for families” while sitting on a gold throne next to a crown encrusted with 3,000 diamonds
— Fergus (@Fergus_2) May 11, 2022
“But, mother, should I make the announcement from my gold throne with my jewel-encrusted crown, or without my jewel-encrusted crown?” https://t.co/x0jnAqnFiw
— Laura Gassner Otting (@heylgo) May 10, 2022
The Prince of Wales delivered the speech which signals the government starting another session of parliament after the Queen pulled out of her regular annual address – the first time she has done so in 59 years.
The 96-year-old’s current health has been of much debate in recent weeks and months, with palace officials citing “episodic mobility problems” in this instance. She has only ever missed the state opening twice before: when she was pregnant.
Speaking in her place, Charles explained how the government’s top priority is to “ease the cost of living for families”, levelling up sectors across the country and get more people into work. And they say it’s Americans that don’t get irony…
We should make things easier for normal people… says dude covered in gold medals, sitting in a gold throne, surrounded by gold. https://t.co/sWe5LDJst4
— Tim Young (@TimRunsHisMouth) May 10, 2022
The next time Biden gives a speech about reducing cost of living expenses, I want him stepping out of a life-sized Klimt painting diorama wrapped in a golden robe studded with rubies and emeralds. “My fellow Americans,” he begins, rubies jingling, “these diaper prices amirite?”
— Derek Thompson (@DKThomp) May 10, 2022
The opulence underpinning the speech, especially given the context of his surroundings in relation to the struggles most people in Britain are currently facing, has been almost universally panned.
Moreover, the moment has once again brought rise to claims that the Royal Family are out of touch and yet more calls to abolish the monarchy across social media.
Related links:
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- UK ticket-holder scoops £184m EuroMillions jackpot to become biggest ever winner
- Tory MP solves cost of living crisis – tells families to buy value brands