Prince Philip News Coverage

Despite quite a few other stories in the news with a high profile, there seems to be quite an inordinate amount of time given to this 'Breaking News'. As the lead story, it's now taking up almost 20 minutes after the TOTH on News 24.

I could understand this if it was a slow news day, but I don't think we have that situation at the moment. I'm not trying to be a harbinger of doom, despite my republican views, but I think they're going over the top here unless it's more serious that it first appears.

Took up 20seconds on BBC World. Thank god.

So I take it he's not died then?

No doubt the Obit tapes are being dusted off, just in case. I think this story warrants only a mention, quite some way down the running order, certainly not live OBs from outside the hospital.

I'm actually watching N24 because of the interesting developments in Zimbabwe. Looks like I'll have to switch to Al-Jaz now!

It's funny actually. Only yesterday I was having a read of the BBC obit sheets. IIRC, the Duke has 4 reports waiting to be played, the last update being in 2006. I might be way off though. All the royals were on there.

Obviously, I hope they don't get played any time soon.

How many reports does the Queen have ready to be played?

I can't remember. Not half as many as how many were listed for the Queen Mother. Princess Anne has two.

Probably about two days worth on the 5 main channels. We'll all be grateful for digital TV, radio and the internet after about an hour I'd think.

But thinking of such things is treasonous talk. Our sweet lady Majesty will live forever (*lifts head from block*).

Her Majesty will go down in history if she's still on the throne in September 2015.
At that time she would become the longest reigning Monarch in British history, knocking Victoria from the title. Feasible, would be nice to see as it'd be a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.

I suppose it would be interesting to see what happens, should the worst happen. Not that I'd want that to happen, I've always thought Prince Phil to be a thoroughly decent chap, but I wonder if the Queen would continue her reign without him at her side?

Of course she would - only the deluded believe that she's abdicated (and then skip a generation to William). They're not going to change centuries of tradition just satisfy some sections of the press.


I consider myself an ex-republican myself - I strongly questioned the Monarchy in the past - but then George Bush got elected US President and that put me right off republics.

After all, I'd rather have the Royal Family as "Head of State" than any of Britain's leading politicians - and even if they were dethrowned, do you really think they'd disappear from public life in today's (non) celebrity obsessed age?

I'm not suggesting anything to do with the press. The Queen is a human, you know, I was questioning whether or not she would want to continue her role without her husband, seeing as he goes wherever she goes.