Explain this to me: What's the Point of the Royal Family?

[the_bob_delusion]

They spend an estimated 200 Million a year. THey're in a privilage situation by doing nothing more than being born in the right blood line and even with the best given to them they still barely scrape through basic qualification. 

[poddster]

Tradition.

You could say the same for religion

[lakeland27]

many things have no real purpose. but they are still there..

[i-once-was-bump]

I think they have been around so long no one has the guts to pull the plug on them.

Who wants to be forever known as the person to retire the Royal Family and thus cause worldwide chaos?

[icyfroth]

They come to remind us of our colonial roots

[azureline**]

National unity, community/country morale, public and charitable service, boost the economy, contributes to stability of the UK.

[sandypas]

They're better than looking at more bashings, stabbings and shootings .

[Anonymous]

There is no point. they do do alot  for charity though dont they?

[i-once-was-bump]

I suppose we could ask what is the point of any of us.

[just_me_karen]

There's plenty of reasons, apart from tradition.

How much have they contributed to our economy this week? Not their direct spending, but the tourism, fashion sales, publicising Australian places etc.

It's the same wherever they go, huge media attention.

Not that I think they're vital for Australia, I would rather we had our own figure head. Can't think who, tho.