[Arrectiff]

I, for one, am very pleased that Britain's monarchy is still prominent.

I am interested in history and military tradition, and there's something about British imperial history that I find particularly fascinating: the regimental system, Pax Britannica; the "imperial century"; Admiral Nelson's navy; "the sun never sets...", etc. The size and power of Britain less than a century ago was incredible - the largest empire in the history of the world - 14,000,000 sq. miles under dominion. America and New York have closely intertwined histories with Great Britain.

So I appreciate today's monarchy and the traditions, places and activities that come with it: the castles, estates, silver-helmeted dragoons, Queen's Own Highlanders bagpiping at the Edinburgh Tatoo. All that pomp and pageantry is fascinating, cool and romantic. If the Royal Family were abolished, you'd have a lot less of it.

Also, Prince Charles uses his money and influence to do a lot of good for UK architecture, urban planning and environment.