[QUOTE=Cunctator]
If you want to get into semantics, then no, I can’t give a cite for any “ideas” that HM has ever come up with. There could have been some fantastic ones in her private life. Who would know? In her public life, as I’m sure you’re aware, her role as sovereign is highly circumscribed. Whatever policy “ideas” she comes up with she keeps to herself. But your original post was about the lack of any evidence of the Queen’s ability to give “effective advice”. Personally I have no idea whether the advice she gives is effective or useful. I’ve never received advice from her. Nor, I expect, have you. The only people qualified to pass judgement on the effectiveness of her advice are those to whom it has been given - namely her Prime Ministers. And they, regardless of sex, nationality or political hue say much the same thing - the Queen is extremely experienced in political matters, has a deep understanding of the constitutional role of the Crown and provides valuable advice. I think that’s pretty conclusive evidence.
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So we agree that the Monarch has never been credited with any idea or policy.
I already pointed out that the Monarchy is reasonably popular with British voters, so naturally Prime Ministers (the only politicians who talk to her) will try to take advantage by saying how wonderful the sessions were.
It’s like politicians kissing babies or being photographed driving tanks. Nobody thinks the babies or tanks contribute anything except as a prop.
Here are a couple of former PMs commenting:
Former Prime Minister Sir John Major says:
"The Prime Minister talks to The Queen about what is going on. What has happened, what is happening, what he would wish to happen.
“You talk about personalities, you talk about personal things, you talk about problems - nothing is barred. Everything is open season.”
Lady Thatcher said: "I am delighted to be able to send this message, on the occasion of Her Majesty’s 80th birthday.
"This is a great day - a day when we can express our boundless admiration and affection for our Queen.
“She is truly an inspiration and an example to the whole nation. Long may she rule. Happy Birthday Ma’am.”
Lady Thatcher said the Queen was “eminently accomplished” at putting people at ease, something she did at their first audience in 1979.
“But anyone who believes that such meetings are a mere formality would be greatly mistaken,” she said.
“The Queen takes an intense interest in every aspect of life in our country.”
Note how they avoid saying that the Queen makes any contribution.
Next, consider these scenarios:
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the Monarch, using her ‘extensive network of contacts’, comes up with a diplomatic breakthrough. The Prime Minister of the day promptly takes all the credit. What message does this send to those world leaders who discussed the problem with the Queen?!
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the Monarch has detailed advice specific to foreign policy. However the Prime Minister does not bring the Foreign Secretary to the meeting!
If the Monarch really did give sensible advice, her words would be quoted. Indeed someone would take notes in fact, no notes are ever taken)
**So we have ‘discussions’ in which no records are kept, no advisers sit in and no credit is ever given to the Queen.**Why do you think this is proof that the Queen gives sensible advice?