I once ordered an online parcel and under selection of titles (Mr, Mrs, Dr, etc) I chose "Other". The package duly arrived addressed to High Lord Commander Hale. Worth a laugh
You can buy a plot of 1m by 1m of land on a lords estate in Scotland, this giving you the title of Lord or lady as you own land on a estate. I know someone who did it so he could genuinely be called a lord
I wish Texas had knights, as were permitted to open carry swords here. Nobody does it because like who carries a sword over a gun anymore, but shit if i was knighted id be carrying around a sword all damn day long
@@TheWinning247 yeah though its a Sgian Dubh lol, its more just a basic dagger though anyone can have one and its held in a sock and is always too blunt to do anything at all with.
@@jeremysmith54565 Not always blunt. Upon reflection, it might be the length of the blade that allows the Sigan Dubh to be carried... Mine's not more than 6 inch , where a sword generally is...
When the late Terry Pratchett was knighted in 2010, he decided that -- as a knight -- he needed a proper sword. But he also believed it would not be truly his own unless he himself provided the metal; so, finding a field with iron deposits near his home in Wiltshire, the UK, he set about excavating ore -- around 81 kilograms -- then smelted it on the grounds at his house, using a makeshift kiln made from clay and hay. For good measure, he added "several pieces of meteorites -- thunderbolt iron, you see -- highly magical, you've got to chuck that stuff in whether you believe in it or not." He took the iron bars to a local blacksmith, who forged the sword for him, finishing it with silverwork. "Most of my life I've been producing stuff which is intangible and so it's amazing the achievement you feel when you have made something which is really real," he said. Because Terry Pratchett was simply that cool and we still miss him so much to this day!
I'd suspect that the sword is immaculately maintained, which would include a sharpening as necessary to at least a functional edge. However a sword of that style would require a truly inhuman amount of force to behead someone.
@@rebelguy9487 i always wondered... .Esq denotes a doctorate of jurisprudence is held by the presenter.... how the bloody hell is a 17 year old high schooler who is nearly flunking history class a bar certified lawyer.
Knights are not allowed to carry swords!?!?? I would usually agree that people shouldn't be allowed to carry deadly weapons but not allowing KNIGHTS to carry swords, that's just wrong.
@@dantemoose420can we start a petition someone already did and it has more than 20 sigs. www.change.org/p/elizabeth-alexandra-mary-give-a-knighthood-to-simon-whistler-for-his-work-on-educating-and-entertaining-people?recruiter=924696633&
I alway heard that the slap was to signify the last time a person was required to recieve a blow from anyone without having the right to demand satisfaction.
Either of the two. Being a knight came with prestige and honour. Therefore, one was required to uphold the dignity of the office. Thus, someone insulting or striking you meant that to uphold your own honour, and the honour of knights in general so historically one would be required to retaliate, most often with a duel. Another theory being that once someone said the vows they would be struck. "So they do not forget it." (Their vows) The above, of course being dependant upon the time period, location and culture at the time. Any or all could apply, and of course, as the monarch is the one conferring the honour of knighthood she chooses not to slap her subjects, but indeed could if she so chose. TLDR: A great big "It depends." And her Majesty of course can do as she wishes.
I suspect that in the era of the slap, knighthood carried considerably more benefit. Carrying your sword would have been the very least of your powers. Ah, those were the days...
No, the slap was the end of training and to be the last blow the Knight would EVER take without returning one. From then on any attack on the night would be on his honor to return in kind.
Nope, the slap was in other countries a slammed fist on the shoulder, sometimes with the flat of the blade of a sword. The soldier or squire in question was supposed to not react, this being a final test of his fortitude. Frankly, I like your answer though.
This is the tradition that is followed by the Society for Creative Anachronism, or at least our kingdom within the Society. When a person is knighted, they receive "a blow." Sometimes it's a slap, sometimes it's an elbow to the chest, but I've always known the crown to say something to the effect of "And may this be the last blow you receive unanswered..." right before the blow. I've only been present for 3 knightings, but it's really cool to see.
Robert Aylor That was more my understanding. I’ve read a lot of Medieval literature, and that explanation seems much more in keeping with the kind of values exemplified in Gawain and the Green Knight, for instance.
@@michaelharder9737 Anarcho syndicalist even! ^^ Sorry, I'm doing the online spell check thing, it's the worst and I just did it. -.- I couldn't decide on if you wanted to know the spelling, or if you think I'm the worst for posting it, so I decided to correct and then give you a carte blanche to think that I am repressing you! You may yell that I am repressing you as much as you want, and I shall sit here and take it like a true peasant. I'm ashamed of myself if it makes it any better!
*TAG TEAM TOURNAMENT OF THE KNIGHTS* *1 stage* : Knights of the same city are to battle until 2 are left. *2 stage* : The 2 knights from each city are to duel 2 knights from other cities (within their kingdom)until there are only 2 knights in each part of the United Kingdoms (England,Wales, Scotland, N.Ireland) *3 Stage* : The 2 knights from each kingdom battle until there is only 2 left in all of 🇬🇧 *4 stage* : The 2 remaining partner knights are to battle each other. The 2 knights are allowed to choose 3 fallen knights from previous stages of the tournament to help them fight the final battle. *5 stage* : People get outraged at the result and brexit happens followed by a civil war between England and Scotland. 👏
2:34 You're sooo right guys! I hereby nominate and recommend Daven. Also, no mention of Brady's Periodic Videos and the Knighting of Professor Poliakoff? He was actually nominated for his public outreach with a specific mention of his contributions and work on RUclips. I'd call that a serious bonus fact ;) -Jake
When I was a little boy, my grandparents were good friends with the then conductor of the Houston Symphony Orchestra, Sir John Barbarolli. I thought it was so cool that I actually knew a real knight. It took me a while though, to get used to the idea that he never wore his armor.
Fun fact, "the slap" is also seen in the Confirmation ceremony (sacrament) in the Catholic faith. You receive a slap at the end of the confirmation to remind you that you are a soldier of Christ expected to fight against sin and the Devil, so kind of a religious knighting in a way.
The slap has an official name - "collee". The most definitive book on the subject, at least regarding medieval knighthood and chivalric behavior and ideals, is "Livre de Chevalerie" (or "Book of Knighthood" in English), written in the early 1350s by Geoffroi de Charny prior to his death at the Battle of Poitiers in 1356. The reason that the ceremony is both significant, yet in some ways merely superficial lies in what it means to be a knight. In essence, the dubbing ceremony doesn't create knights - it recognizes that the person being honored already embodies the ideals that comprise one. Think of the ceremony much like a university graduation. All the work has already been done, the ceremony is merely to recognize what those honored have already achieved. As a side note - although people often say "I graduated from , it is more correct to say "I was graduated from (or by) . The University awards you with a diploma and graduates you - it's not something you bestow upon yourself.
They should start Knighting actual soldiers again. Imagine if those who won the Victoria Cross (the UK's version of the Medal of Honor)were actually Knighted as well for their acts of valour and bravery for their brothers and sisters in arms despite the face of death, instead of getting knighted for some pointless donation or which family you come from or how much money you've made.
That would be too honorable of action to be act upon by modern British government, you described a governance for the people, and a realm whereas she encourage citizenry to serve the nation, which the nation should serve its citizen. Good lord, what year is this? 1914? Right before the great war? Even at the peak of British empire such governance did not happen nor ever be thought of to be achievable.
I found one military officer who was awarded a knighthood in 2009, Sir Stuart Peach (via Wikipedia). I'm sure there are other members of the military that have been knighted within the past decade or two. IDK.
Yes and while we are on the subject of what the queen does not do, she also doesn't breath or eat or talk. What makes you think she does not do that? The fact is virtually every invocation has her or her proxy knighting military heroes. Keep up.
I, the Baroness of Somewhere, do knight thee, Simon Whistler, for your tales of fact and humor thus teaching the World without them realizing it. (tap right, tap left). Go forth, Sir Simon, and continue your work.
@@lisabrowner not on fact fiend. That's his and Brad's. He writes for big channels but he done a video about how much they were making in the beginning and broke down editing time, researching, etc and it worked out like 10p an hour each they made per video.
if i remember correctly, one of the lecturers at Uni was convinced that the slap was meant to be the last blow ever taken without equal or greater response.
Actor Paul Scofield, acclaimed by many as the best King Lear of all time, actually rejected knighthood three times, which makes me respect him even more.
The slap was a way of reminding that person where they stood and the responsibility they had taken on. If anyone has every been slapped by their parent you would have probably have listened to what they had to say after that 😂
"Do they get anything out of it?" Yeah they get to meet the queen! That's like asking "is there any upside to getting in good with the president?" or "is there any upside to being superman's best friend?" 😂
Most nations issue their own titles, in fact it has become one if the symbolic acts of new nations to issue their first titles upon their independence.
@@crovax1375 Only in Fallout 4 AFAIK. Bear in mind that I've only played New Vegas and have NEVER done a power armor run. I've used power armor before, though, but never full-time. To hell with having to need fusion cells; that's bullshit, not an improvement. As of my current playthrough in FNV, I've had my tribal Courier wear NCR power armor as a disguise after killing a Ranger hit squad. Most of the time, I've had her wear Link's Barbarian Armor from Breath of the Wild, which I've added in with a mod (not my creation). Add in The Legion Will Ryse just for Salt-Upon-Wounds' helmet, She's Embrace (RP purposes, being a Sorrow), throwing spears/axes, the Compliance Regulator, and the almighty holorifle and we're off the chain. www.nexusmods.com/newvegas/mods/65936 mega.nz/#!6NpxjLoS!aduCKqM4DKKBeRTcI-ptq9sQiBuOibSSOewfm-wVzbg I've got other characters to my name that have joined the Brotherhood of Steel to get their armor along with Arcade's quest to get the Remnants armor, but those are only for bragging rights. I'm a fucking hoarder; I don't use the majority of weapons and armor in the game at all. I stash that shit at the Lucky 38/Sink or give it to my companions for their use. If not that, I might sell it or use it to repair stuff with Jury Rigging. Same with the gold bars; I always get the whole stash so I can then trade them for GRA weapons, mods, and ammo as well as the weapon mods from Honest Hearts, Old World Blues and Lonesome Road. Even those I keep for bragging rights more than anything else. I've only used A Light Shining in Darkness, a K9000/FIDO, SMMG, and Red Glare each ONCE just to see what they did. I don't bother with knife spears beyond Dead Money and only used an automatic rifle once (it sucks at range). I never use Old Glory, thermic lances, and only in one playthrough (with a shotgun-based build IIRC) did I use an Industrial Hand (even then only against Tunnelers). I've used a mini-nuke launcher ONCE against a bunch of Deathclaws. Though my current character is specced in unarmed, melee, and energy weapons, I only use a handful of weapons (see above). It always comes back to some kind of sniper rifle given that you get a free varmint rifle from Sunny Smiles at the beginning of the game anyway, and it's also easy enough to find the Ratslayer en route to Nipton from Novac. As I do all the DLCs early on, I just stick with the holorifle in the long run. In close-quarters combat, I'll use a knife spear through Dead Money until getting far enough along in Honest Hearts to get She's Embrace. Then She's Embrace usually lasts me until near the end of Lonesome Road, when I kill Rawr and make the Fist of Rawr (currently foregone for RP reasons, though I still scored it all the same) at a workbench.
The slap was administered and the recipient told let this be the last strike taken unanswered...meaning now you're a knight, you get hit, hit back harder, and make them regret having struck the blow. Both figuratively and metaphorically
9:42 "The laws of the UK mean he cannot carry it around in his day to day life." This hurt. Because, Terry Pratchett passed away in March 2015. If he wants to carry his meteorite sword around, who's going to stop him?
These videos are really fun and informative. Sad that a Knighthood doesn't come with a fiefdom and a complimentary set of peasants. That could be quite a great skit...
You mentioned knights being ransomed, this as I understand it, only happened in the melees which were huge 'practice' battles. An episode on that would be pretty cool.
Melee isn't practice battle. It is actual battle with weapons directly wielded upon opponents with the bodily strength of the wielder, as opposed to battle with ranged weapons such as throwing stones or shooting death rays.
That's a myth.. sirloin beef is dervied from the french word surlonge meaning above loin.. as much as I want to believe that a slab of meat was knighted.. it didn't happen.
Got something that you didn’t mention: Children of knights may get married at Westminster Cathedral. (I presume unmarried knights may also have this pleasure.) When my dad was knighted, Prince William said “arise, Sir Jon” - although I think he was joking.
9:12 ,it was symbolising that the "slap" will be the last blow you recieve unanswered,meaning from there on whoever gives you a blow,they must recieve an answer,basically whoever hits after the slap must be met with punishment "let this blow be the last that goes unanswered"
I heard that the tapping of the sword on the shoulder is meant to signify dominance "you life belong to the crown, I could lop off your head if I wanted to" but also to signify trust "I trust the queen to not lop off my head, she is a good queen and so my life belongs to the crown"
From "Yes Minister". Bernard: Well, take the Foreign Office. First you get the CMG, then the KCMG, then the GCMG; the Commander of the Order of St Michael and St George, Knight Commander of St Michael and St George, Knight Grand Cross of St Michael and St George. Of course, in the Service, CMG stands for "Call Me God," and KCMG for "Kindly Call Me God." Hacker: [chuckles] What does GCMG stand for? Bernard: "God Calls Me God."
I don't know the specific "Knighthood" but Sir Patrick Stewart was "Knighted" by the Queen back in 2010. I can't believe you didn't drop his name at all during this video. Sir Patrick Stewart is such a great man and I love him in everything he's ever done.
My dad and older brother were both knighted back in the 90's (by King & Queen of Malta). The only "benefit" they got, that I at least noted, was solely the cool title, plaque and certification. My dad bought my brother the knighthood as part of his wedding presents. Thus, the King & Queen were truly benefiting financially by selling knighthood titles for hefty costs. chEErs 93
The slap you discussed is actually "the last unanswered blow" or "coulee" (sp?). A medieval knight was as an accomplished warrior not supposed to permit any blow to his person to pass without a counter and this final one symbolized the shift. This "coulee" remains in use in medieval and fantasy-medieval reenactment clubs.
In order to have a gun in England (dont know the rules for the other 3 nations) there are strict licensing rules to follow. The type of use licensed would be farming, sports (target/hunting) or collecting.
One time, when looking up Bob Hope on Wikipedia, I was surprised to discover that he held three different orders of knighthood. One of them was an honorary knighthood of the British Empire, but the other two were very real knighthoods he had been awarded by the pope for services to the Catholic Church. I went and looked up those two orders, and members of one of them have the special privilege of being allowed to ride their horses inside St, Peter's Basilica but, the article said, that privilege had not actually been exercised, "In a very long time."
For some countries, Knighthood was used as a tool to get more taxes as Knights were expected to pay the higher taxes of a "minor noble". It was also sometimes used to grand minor lands to an unlanded gentleman in order to, once again, get more taxes, since now that gentleman was worth more so his share of the taxes increased. The only reason it was still considered beneficial despite this obvious money grab was that being considered noble, even a minor noble, opened up a lot of doors and allowed your family to get some preferential treatment in some areas. In today's world, with the percentile income-based tax system you wouldn't have increased taxes for becoming a noble because your income didn't actually change and land is no longer given away like this since people don't die as often as they used to so it's not feasible to give land to everyone who gets knighted that doesn't own land.
2:45 a shout out to my boy Karl Smallwood! Nice! Gotta love factfiend. You're classy and informative, amusing. But good content mostly. Karl? He's a f*ckin' mate, a bro, a guy just havin' an informative laugh. Both of you, just.. great British Quality work mates :D
I like the idea of the Queen. She can literally do whatever she wants, and would have immense support barring the most horrid acts, but still... All that holds her back is... Her. Her morals. Beliefs. Honor. Kindness. Imagine the lady behind the title! What a soul!
She's kept in check by the fact that if she abused her powers action would be taken to reduce them or replace her. Edward was an example. Nobody wanted a Nazi sympathizer for a king, which among other things, led to him taking an early retirement. Elizabeth has nuclear weapons, but she can't just wake up on the wrong side of the bed and take out France.
The royals try to keep their bloodline because they clam they were "chosen by God" to rule. North Korea took it a step further.. Their dear leader is looked at as actually being semi Devine.
She still has a lot of power through diplomatic links, tbf I think France being next door also serves as a good reminder that European monarchs should keep their heads down...
One show I watched - Conquest - suggested that the slap (or punch as shown in the show) was supposed to be the last strike someone could give you. Afterwards you couldn't be slapped or punched without retaliation.
It’s still crazy to me how much power is given to Kings & Queens in this day and age. Just some family with ultimate power that never did anything to get it aside from being born. Not that I really care one way or another, it’s not my country, it’s just fascinating how that whole system works
You are right to a point. The Queen lets the politicians use her powers, and take the fall for using her powers. She has made sure her role as Queen is to be above politics, to keep the politicians inline and to be the last resort in political situations. She rarely uses the powers she has or entitled to do, because she doesn't want to come across as political. That's the politicians jobs. Her primary job is to keep the government in check, behind the scenes. Queen Elizabeth has been queen for over 65 years, you are a politician, and the first thing you have to do is swear an oath of allegiance to her, and her heirs - she is your boss at the end of the day. You have fucked up, and the Queen asks for a private audience at Buckingham Palace. Do you think she is going to ask you to have tea and crumpets? Hell no!!! She is going to want you to explain your actions, and give you a slap on the wrist. You listen to what she says/advises - she is your boss - she has 65 years of experience. Would you want to upset the Queen? Hell no!!!!
Locutus Hell no indeed. When I worked at Buckingham Palace we used to say that The Queen has the power of the raised eyebrow, and if you heard the words 'are you sure?', with a slight tilt of the head and a raised eyebrow then you better had be sure. The Queen sees through pretensions and flannel and aims straight for the centre. As you say, her experience! Prime Ministers might think again hearing the words,' yes Winston tried that and it didn't work then either.'
The thing with most of the royal prerogative is that everyone agrees that the Queen has such powers, so long as the Queen never actually bothers to use them - or only in cases where she's sure they'll be accepted. If the Queen tried using her powers without solid reason, then there would be a constitutional crisis, and when the dust settled, her official powers would be sharply limited - and quite possibly in the hands of one of her heirs - assuming the republicans don't get their way.
rmsgrey yea I get that. Obviously that kind of power can’t go unchecked, that’s what modern society is all about. Still it’s fascinating how they get the power. For us in America, we elect our president, and they serve their 4 to 8 years and that’s that. Literally anyone born in the us with enough determination can get to that office. I assume the queen isn’t really the same as the president, I’m not to sure how the system works there. But assuming they are both the head of there respective governments, it really is crazy how in my life, I’ve had 4 different presidents from varying backgrounds, and in that same time period and far beyond, there has only been one ruling family
@@zacharyouten4525 The big advantage to the Brit's system is that the Queen doesn't have to worry about re-election. If she needs to sit a politician down and give them a dressing down for their bullshit, she can do it without having to worry about any consequences. That means that she can serve as the ultimate "off switch" if the Parliment goes completely off the rails. Side note: I really wish she would speak up regarding Brexit. Of course, she's very aware that overusing her powers will result in the people taking them away from her, so she's pretty cautious of using them.
I think the Queen should update this with these bonuses. Maybe a 10% discount on items in the Royal gift shop and free parking on your birthday.
dahveed284 Use code “Elizabeth2” at checkout for your discount
10% off on your next castle/keep purchase
Even at 10 % off , the queens gift shop is expensive.
*Didn't the Queen play that "Cat-Lady" on Hellboy 2?*
10% reduction in taxes would be nice.
They are permitted to move in an L shape, jumping over other people. It is pretty cool to watch.
One of the most underrated comments I’ve ever seen.
Besides, being worthy of induction into the Ministry of Silly Walks.
Eric Fleet, you sir, have just won youtube. This was one of the most amazing comments I have read in quite some time.
And at the end of the L, if someone is in their spot they just disappear.
What the fuck ya’ll talking about
I once ordered an online parcel and under selection of titles (Mr, Mrs, Dr, etc) I chose "Other".
The package duly arrived addressed to High Lord Commander Hale.
Worth a laugh
See, that's just awesome :)
You can buy a plot of 1m by 1m of land on a lords estate in Scotland, this giving you the title of Lord or lady as you own land on a estate. I know someone who did it so he could genuinely be called a lord
I will try that with "Lord Marshal" ("Chronicles of Riddick")...
@@chelseagreer6264 landlord lol can do the same thing by deed poll and save the cash ,
I am sir Preston Garvey of house Anothersettlementneedsyourhelp. I'll mark it on your map.
It really SHOULD be legal to carry your sword in public if you are a knight. Somethings are just..... *right* to do
I wish Texas had knights, as were permitted to open carry swords here. Nobody does it because like who carries a sword over a gun anymore, but shit if i was knighted id be carrying around a sword all damn day long
Even if they were it'd not be carried with them it'd be whats called a two handed ceremonial sword not one to be used in combat actually.
I think it might be. Scottish are allowed to carry a Sighan Dubh if they're wearing the kilt.
@@TheWinning247 yeah though its a Sgian Dubh lol, its more just a basic dagger though anyone can have one and its held in a sock and is always too blunt to do anything at all with.
@@jeremysmith54565 Not always blunt. Upon reflection, it might be the length of the blade that allows the Sigan Dubh to be carried... Mine's not more than 6 inch , where a sword generally is...
When the late Terry Pratchett was knighted in 2010, he decided that -- as a knight -- he needed a proper sword. But he also believed it would not be truly his own unless he himself provided the metal; so, finding a field with iron deposits near his home in Wiltshire, the UK, he set about excavating ore -- around 81 kilograms -- then smelted it on the grounds at his house, using a makeshift kiln made from clay and hay.
For good measure, he added "several pieces of meteorites -- thunderbolt iron, you see -- highly magical, you've got to chuck that stuff in whether you believe in it or not."
He took the iron bars to a local blacksmith, who forged the sword for him, finishing it with silverwork.
"Most of my life I've been producing stuff which is intangible and so it's amazing the achievement you feel when you have made something which is really real," he said.
Because Terry Pratchett was simply that cool and we still miss him so much to this day!
His own??
1. Bragging rights
2. A great conversation starter
"Hi, my name is Sir Alex..." 😎 might work in a bar?
I am Sir Fegelein now.
more likely Sir Herrmann
VEVO???
3. A significant number of children would think you were cool Downside is they would be disappointed about you lack of horse and armor...
The Queen is 92 years old if she walked out and cut someone's head off at that age people would just clap because that would just be impressive
I don't think it's sharpened, hacking someone's head off with raw force would be impressive
I'd suspect that the sword is immaculately maintained, which would include a sharpening as necessary to at least a functional edge. However a sword of that style would require a truly inhuman amount of force to behead someone.
@@MyronDanielson Didn't Doctor Who mention they were a werewolf family?
You are a sheep
She can't be persecuted
"Sir Bill"?
No. No no no.
You do not shorten your name when you introduce yourself as "Sir".
It is "Sir William Gates of House Windows".
I am Sir William S. Preston, Esq
And I am Sir Ted Theodore Logan
"First of his name, father of Clippy"
😂
_Halter of Processees, Executioner of Exceptions, Lord of Office_
@@rebelguy9487 i always wondered... .Esq denotes a doctorate of jurisprudence is held by the presenter.... how the bloody hell is a 17 year old high schooler who is nearly flunking history class a bar certified lawyer.
Knights are not allowed to carry swords!?!??
I would usually agree that people shouldn't be allowed to carry deadly weapons but not allowing KNIGHTS to carry swords, that's just wrong.
I think anyone should be allowed to carry weapons unless they are ex-cons, children or mentally ill.
@@Amadeus8484 well make sure to have a little bit more of a background check like the U.S.' current system
@@t6amygdala And that's fair, but it should be a focus on the person's safety and lawfulness, not the type of object they carry.
@@t6amygdala I am pro-gun but Swiss Style. Not American.
@@Amadeus8484 Makes sense
Knights cannot be forced to incriminate themselves.
They plead the fief.
Andrew Boehmer I hate you....
But that was good....
AnnoyinglySalty haaaaaaaaaaaaa
But they can only go to Knoght Court.
Can we start a petition to recommend Simon for Knighthood? I'd love to see videos by Sir Simon Whistler, Knight of the Order of Online Education.
And Karl Smallwood... That'd be great
@@dantemoose420can we start a petition someone already did and it has more than 20 sigs. www.change.org/p/elizabeth-alexandra-mary-give-a-knighthood-to-simon-whistler-for-his-work-on-educating-and-entertaining-people?recruiter=924696633&
@@jaycie5021 Signed!
guys we should also try filling out a form here
www.gov.uk/honours/nominate-someone-in-the-uk
Sir Simon does have a nice ring to it!
Sir Simon Whistler does have a ring to it.
You might say that would be.............most excellent!
Eric Hutton “Whistler?” “Ring?” Sounds like you’re mixing metaphors. Lol
@@user-lp3ew1xb5u forgive the spam but... www.change.org/p/elizabeth-alexandra-mary-give-a-knighthood-to-simon-whistler-for-his-work-on-educating-and-entertaining-people?recruiter=924696633&
also this
www.gov.uk/honours/nominate-someone-in-the-uk
But what about Sir Karl Smallwood?
"I ruled the world once!"
"Ok grandma, now take your pills."
*and thus, Her Majesty the Queen was stifled, by medical induced lethargy and Tim, her shitty little grandson.*
I alway heard that the slap was to signify the last time a person was required to recieve a blow from anyone without having the right to demand satisfaction.
I was told that the slap signified the last time you would be struck without taking any action and from then on you would defend yourself.
Either of the two. Being a knight came with prestige and honour. Therefore, one was required to uphold the dignity of the office. Thus, someone insulting or striking you meant that to uphold your own honour, and the honour of knights in general so historically one would be required to retaliate, most often with a duel.
Another theory being that once someone said the vows they would be struck. "So they do not forget it." (Their vows)
The above, of course being dependant upon the time period, location and culture at the time. Any or all could apply, and of course, as the monarch is the one conferring the honour of knighthood she chooses not to slap her subjects, but indeed could if she so chose.
TLDR: A great big "It depends." And her Majesty of course can do as she wishes.
I suspect that in the era of the slap, knighthood carried considerably more benefit. Carrying your sword would have been the very least of your powers. Ah, those were the days...
@@gregme5601 Yes, this is what I have read as well. "This is the last blow you shall take without recourse" or some such
@@gregme5601 that is basically what the OP said.
When you lose an arm you can say...
"Tis but a scratch!"
A mere flesh wound XD
I AM INVINCIBLE
I’ve had worse
COME BACK HERE AND TAKE WHAT'S COMING TO YOU
XD I love that movie
you would be able to say that the queen hit you with a sword.
Or she pimp slaps you to assert dominance.
What is she? Like 90? Has anyone lost an ear or gotten a cut while being knighted? LOL!
Ken Mabie - FIND ME ON BITCHUTE - Killjoy.
I was hit with a sword by the Queen... And lived.
"Let me go! She hit me first, I swear!!"
No, the slap was the end of training and to be the last blow the Knight would EVER take without returning one. From then on any attack on the night would be on his honor to return in kind.
Nope, the slap was in other countries a slammed fist on the shoulder, sometimes with the flat of the blade of a sword. The soldier or squire in question was supposed to not react, this being a final test of his fortitude.
Frankly, I like your answer though.
mrscary3105
: That is my understanding of the Norman Tradition as well.
This is the tradition that is followed by the Society for Creative Anachronism, or at least our kingdom within the Society. When a person is knighted, they receive "a blow." Sometimes it's a slap, sometimes it's an elbow to the chest, but I've always known the crown to say something to the effect of "And may this be the last blow you receive unanswered..." right before the blow. I've only been present for 3 knightings, but it's really cool to see.
Robert Aylor That was more my understanding. I’ve read a lot of Medieval literature, and that explanation seems much more in keeping with the kind of values exemplified in Gawain and the Green Knight, for instance.
mrscary3105 thinking of the Monty Python skit on idiots.
Strange women lying in ponds is no basis for a system of government.
And here I thought we were an autonomous collective.
an 'anarcho-syndicous commune'
C'mon Dennis! There's some lovely filth down here!!
@@michaelharder9737 Anarcho syndicalist even! ^^
Sorry, I'm doing the online spell check thing, it's the worst and I just did it. -.- I couldn't decide on if you wanted to know the spelling, or if you think I'm the worst for posting it, so I decided to correct and then give you a carte blanche to think that I am repressing you! You may yell that I am repressing you as much as you want, and I shall sit here and take it like a true peasant. I'm ashamed of myself if it makes it any better!
@@pmsavenger Come and see the violence inherent in the system!
In the days of old
When Knights were bold
And toilets weren't invented ...
They'd lay their load
By the side of the road
And walk away contented
Scott Worthington You are my favorite poet
In days of old,
When Knights was bold,
And Women wasn't invented,
The Knights drilled holes,
In telegraph poles,
So they'd be contented.
How did you think of this.. What are you smoking bro. 🤣🤣
so, can a knight hold a trial to determine if someone is a witch? I got turned into a newt once, but I got better.
d e austin 😂😂😂
You’re still a newt stfu
Hold on I'll grab my scales. We can solve this mystery quite quickly
Now, where’s my duck and largest scale?
@@skippy9214 I'm afraid your Duck just . . . . . sank?
if you are knighted you should be required to participate in a tournament once a year to maintain it
That'd be a great way to generate revenue. Televize a tourney. I'd watch it.
Fucking Elton John with a Lance, fuck YES.
Cobyfield I wouldn't want to watch someone fucking Elton John with a lance, that's just me though
*TAG TEAM TOURNAMENT OF THE KNIGHTS*
*1 stage* : Knights of the same city are to battle until 2 are left.
*2 stage* : The 2 knights from each city are to duel 2 knights from other cities (within their kingdom)until there are only 2 knights in each part of the United Kingdoms (England,Wales, Scotland, N.Ireland)
*3 Stage* : The 2 knights from each kingdom battle until there is only 2 left in all of 🇬🇧
*4 stage* : The 2 remaining partner knights are to battle each other. The 2 knights are allowed to choose 3 fallen knights from previous stages of the tournament to help them fight the final battle.
*5 stage* : People get outraged at the result and brexit happens followed by a civil war between England and Scotland. 👏
How about every sunday as retired combat pilots have too.
I think what really stops Terry Pratchett from carrying around his sword in his day to day life is the fact that he's dead.
If there's anyone who isn't stopped by such minor complication, it's Sir Terry Pratchett.
I miss him!
Yeah mee too, what a legend.
HERE. YOU CAN BORROW MINE.
GNU Terry Pratchett
Was he buried with his sword?
Terry Pratchett "... cannot carry [his sword] around ... despite being, y'know, a knight"
And don't forget despite being, y'know, dead.
In an alternative universe where everything is fair... This would be the top comment, my good Bjorn.
I'm American, so you answered alot of questions that I had. Good Show Sir!!! Good Show
Never have I seen a smoother transition into a commercial message. Such skill should warrant attention from the Crown.
2:34
You're sooo right guys! I hereby nominate and recommend Daven.
Also, no mention of Brady's Periodic Videos and the Knighting of Professor Poliakoff? He was actually nominated for his public outreach with a specific mention of his contributions and work on RUclips. I'd call that a serious bonus fact ;)
-Jake
When I was a little boy, my grandparents were good friends with the then conductor of the Houston Symphony Orchestra, Sir John Barbarolli. I thought it was so cool that I actually knew a real knight. It took me a while though, to get used to the idea that he never wore his armor.
I want Karl to be knighted for his accomplishments of drinking heavily whilst still providing facts
Kaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaarrrrrrrrrrrllllllllleeeeeeeeeeee!
Anyone? Huh?
I want to see Karl knighted BEFORE Simon, just because I'd like to see the world burn. (Hey! I got all of these marshmallows and sticks. Want one?)
Sir Karl Smallwood, knight of the order of the Big Wangers
The Order of Education while slightly intoxicated.
Hey, youz guys!
Fun fact, "the slap" is also seen in the Confirmation ceremony (sacrament) in the Catholic faith. You receive a slap at the end of the confirmation to remind you that you are a soldier of Christ expected to fight against sin and the Devil, so kind of a religious knighting in a way.
So that explains that back in 2nd grade...
I don't remember that part of 7th grade...
They are the devils....
The slap has an official name - "collee". The most definitive book on the subject, at least regarding medieval knighthood and chivalric behavior and ideals, is "Livre de Chevalerie" (or "Book of Knighthood" in English), written in the early 1350s by Geoffroi de Charny prior to his death at the Battle of Poitiers in 1356.
The reason that the ceremony is both significant, yet in some ways merely superficial lies in what it means to be a knight. In essence, the dubbing ceremony doesn't create knights - it recognizes that the person being honored already embodies the ideals that comprise one. Think of the ceremony much like a university graduation. All the work has already been done, the ceremony is merely to recognize what those honored have already achieved.
As a side note - although people often say "I graduated from , it is more correct to say "I was graduated from (or by) . The University awards you with a diploma and graduates you - it's not something you bestow upon yourself.
To anybody wondering: the painting partially shown several times in this episode is Edmund Leighton's "The Accolade."
Thank you!
They should start Knighting actual soldiers again. Imagine if those who won the Victoria Cross (the UK's version of the Medal of Honor)were actually Knighted as well for their acts of valour and bravery for their brothers and sisters in arms despite the face of death, instead of getting knighted for some pointless donation or which family you come from or how much money you've made.
That would be too honorable of action to be act upon by modern British government, you described a governance for the people, and a realm whereas she encourage citizenry to serve the nation, which the nation should serve its citizen.
Good lord, what year is this? 1914? Right before the great war? Even at the peak of British empire such governance did not happen nor ever be thought of to be achievable.
I found one military officer who was awarded a knighthood in 2009, Sir Stuart Peach (via Wikipedia). I'm sure there are other members of the military that have been knighted within the past decade or two. IDK.
Yes and while we are on the subject of what the queen does not do, she also doesn't breath or eat or talk. What makes you think she does not do that? The fact is virtually every invocation has her or her proxy knighting military heroes. Keep up.
All the knighthoods in the World won't get you the Victoria Cross.
Medals are awarded, not won.
What? You don't mean they get a full suit of plate armor?
Justin Y. NOT U AGAIN
I love you man man love rules ok btw
You have to buy it.
No.
Justin Y. We meet again my friend!! Keep up the good work!!
100% of us have titles, not 70%. It's just... probably Mr. or Mrs.
Ah, yes but...Mrs....Mrs. Jones? We ve got a "thing" going on....!
I don't have a title, I'm a 14 yo girl
@@DogDogGodFog Miss
I prefer Ms. tbh
I, the Baroness of Somewhere, do knight thee, Simon Whistler, for your tales of fact and humor thus teaching the World without them realizing it. (tap right, tap left). Go forth, Sir Simon, and continue your work.
Sir. Simon Whistler anyone?
Someone start a petition, he deserves it.
@@s_kelli_ngton www.change.org/p/elizabeth-alexandra-mary-give-a-knighthood-to-simon-whistler-for-his-work-on-educating-and-entertaining-people?recruiter=924696633&
@@s_kelli_ngton oh shit, you already started one. I'm signing!
Signed!! Glad to help, if Simon deserves anything at the very least it's a fancy title!
While you fellas are at it, I found a petition to get spongebon's "Sweet Victory" to play at the superbowl halftime show. You should all sign it
Karl Smallwood. The only guy on RUclips not begging for patreon. He deserves a knighthood just for that.
Actively mocking like, comment, subscribe... Lmao
He's gotta be "Sir Smallwood," no doubt 'bout that.
He's literally got corporate sponsors. There's a reason he doesn't need you to support him, he's got financial bosses controlling him.
@@lisabrowner not on fact fiend. That's his and Brad's. He writes for big channels but he done a video about how much they were making in the beginning and broke down editing time, researching, etc and it worked out like 10p an hour each they made per video.
@@GM-tw4el Well. . . They've got Big Wangers Inc. , so there you go. Karl is his own boss.
if i remember correctly, one of the lecturers at Uni was convinced that the slap was meant to be the last blow ever taken without equal or greater response.
Long story short: as always, the queen does w/e she wants
It's good to be the Queen.
Actor Paul Scofield, acclaimed by many as the best King Lear of all time, actually rejected knighthood three times, which makes me respect him even more.
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Paul_Scofield
Why? What's so bad about it?
Sadly, Sir Terry can't carry his sword anywhere anymore. Miss him!
Yeah, I had to double-check the date of this video, as it seemed to the uploader that Pratchett was alive... If only :(
He has returned his sword to the lake and himself retired to the earth from which he came to feed the worms and fertilise the daises.
The slap was a way of reminding that person where they stood and the responsibility they had taken on. If anyone has every been slapped by their parent you would have probably have listened to what they had to say after that 😂
Cant wait to hear the words "Sir Simon Whistler"
Aurox Night it actually has a nice ring to it
Young dude, you’re a great hoot to listen to.
Makes my whole day better to come home and listen to you and your dialog. Well done sir!! Well done.
"Do they get anything out of it?"
Yeah they get to meet the queen! That's like asking "is there any upside to getting in good with the president?" or "is there any upside to being superman's best friend?" 😂
Why would that be a good thing? You are a pleb, and thats how any aristocrat would think of you
Unwashed masses...
You don't even get to say "Ni!" to old ladies..... how depressing.
No, it's that when you go to say it, National Health get someone else. Cos by their age, it's time for a Ni Replacement!
But once you find the shrubbery you must chop down the mightiest tree with a herring.
The *_N Word?_*
I never knew Sir Mix-A-Lot was British.
Most nations issue their own titles, in fact it has become one if the symbolic acts of new nations to issue their first titles upon their independence.
You get a suit of power armor.
But you are on your own for the fusion cells
@@crovax1375 Fusion Core
Or some under armor.
"Iron Whistler"
@@crovax1375 Only in Fallout 4 AFAIK. Bear in mind that I've only played New Vegas and have NEVER done a power armor run. I've used power armor before, though, but never full-time. To hell with having to need fusion cells; that's bullshit, not an improvement. As of my current playthrough in FNV, I've had my tribal Courier wear NCR power armor as a disguise after killing a Ranger hit squad. Most of the time, I've had her wear Link's Barbarian Armor from Breath of the Wild, which I've added in with a mod (not my creation). Add in The Legion Will Ryse just for Salt-Upon-Wounds' helmet, She's Embrace (RP purposes, being a Sorrow), throwing spears/axes, the Compliance Regulator, and the almighty holorifle and we're off the chain.
www.nexusmods.com/newvegas/mods/65936
mega.nz/#!6NpxjLoS!aduCKqM4DKKBeRTcI-ptq9sQiBuOibSSOewfm-wVzbg
I've got other characters to my name that have joined the Brotherhood of Steel to get their armor along with Arcade's quest to get the Remnants armor, but those are only for bragging rights. I'm a fucking hoarder; I don't use the majority of weapons and armor in the game at all. I stash that shit at the Lucky 38/Sink or give it to my companions for their use. If not that, I might sell it or use it to repair stuff with Jury Rigging. Same with the gold bars; I always get the whole stash so I can then trade them for GRA weapons, mods, and ammo as well as the weapon mods from Honest Hearts, Old World Blues and Lonesome Road. Even those I keep for bragging rights more than anything else. I've only used A Light Shining in Darkness, a K9000/FIDO, SMMG, and Red Glare each ONCE just to see what they did. I don't bother with knife spears beyond Dead Money and only used an automatic rifle once (it sucks at range). I never use Old Glory, thermic lances, and only in one playthrough (with a shotgun-based build IIRC) did I use an Industrial Hand (even then only against Tunnelers). I've used a mini-nuke launcher ONCE against a bunch of Deathclaws.
Though my current character is specced in unarmed, melee, and energy weapons, I only use a handful of weapons (see above). It always comes back to some kind of sniper rifle given that you get a free varmint rifle from Sunny Smiles at the beginning of the game anyway, and it's also easy enough to find the Ratslayer en route to Nipton from Novac. As I do all the DLCs early on, I just stick with the holorifle in the long run. In close-quarters combat, I'll use a knife spear through Dead Money until getting far enough along in Honest Hearts to get She's Embrace. Then She's Embrace usually lasts me until near the end of Lonesome Road, when I kill Rawr and make the Fist of Rawr (currently foregone for RP reasons, though I still scored it all the same) at a workbench.
The slap was administered and the recipient told let this be the last strike taken unanswered...meaning now you're a knight, you get hit, hit back harder, and make them regret having struck the blow. Both figuratively and metaphorically
9:42 "The laws of the UK mean he cannot carry it around in his day to day life." This hurt. Because, Terry Pratchett passed away in March 2015. If he wants to carry his meteorite sword around, who's going to stop him?
The Ghostbusters
@@DeclinedMercy Who you gonna call? Someone else! ruclips.net/video/lfh4NT9OgLY/видео.html
GNU Sir Pratchett
He would be the one to get a sword for himself after being knighted.
GNU
These videos are really fun and informative. Sad that a Knighthood doesn't come with a fiefdom and a complimentary set of peasants. That could be quite a great skit...
So... The queen is the sorting hat from Hogwarts? Got it.
Great now I've got an image of the queen singing songs about stinking warts and ancient houses stuck in my head.
I received a Knighthood from a King in Ghana, but I don't use the title of Sir. But I use the post-nominal letters.
I'm happy about the Fact Fiend reference.
You mentioned knights being ransomed, this as I understand it, only happened in the melees which were huge 'practice' battles. An episode on that would be pretty cool.
Melee isn't practice battle. It is actual battle with weapons directly wielded upon opponents with the bodily strength of the wielder, as opposed to battle with ranged weapons such as throwing stones or shooting death rays.
"Arise sir Loin Of Beef!" -once you realize Henry 8th actually knighted a slab of meat, the title is meaningless.
James I not Henry VIII
@@pedanticradiator1491 Actually Bugs Bunny (also) made the knighthood famous, but much later and much ado over nothing I assure you.
That's a myth.. sirloin beef is dervied from the french word surlonge meaning above loin.. as much as I want to believe that a slab of meat was knighted.. it didn't happen.
I think the man laws stopping Sir Terry Pratchett walking around with a sword are the laws of nature...what with him being dead and all 😅
I really appreciate the mention of Sir Terry Pratchett's space sword.
You deserve it more than most, "Sir" Simon.
Sir Terry Pratchett got a sword? That was ... very educational :D
Got something that you didn’t mention:
Children of knights may get married at Westminster Cathedral. (I presume unmarried knights may also have this pleasure.)
When my dad was knighted, Prince William said “arise, Sir Jon” - although I think he was joking.
Will you marry me?
Sir Karl Smallwood, Overseer of Facts, only when followed by drinking and swearing, and ceo of Big Wangers INC. I like it
Big Wangers LLC *
It's a British corporation, so it's not "inc."
Also he’s not ceo he’s a managing director
@@kean1001 I've learned so much today. All thanks to Big Wangers
9:12 ,it was symbolising that the "slap" will be the last blow you recieve unanswered,meaning from there on whoever gives you a blow,they must recieve an answer,basically whoever hits after the slap must be met with punishment "let this blow be the last that goes unanswered"
I heard that the tapping of the sword on the shoulder is meant to signify dominance "you life belong to the crown, I could lop off your head if I wanted to" but also to signify trust "I trust the queen to not lop off my head, she is a good queen and so my life belongs to the crown"
"Sir Terry Pratchett in his day-to-day life"
Now im sad
Dutch Knights (and their families) actually do get extra benefits from Knighthood, sucks to be British then.
free Danish and pastry for life
Wat voor voordelen krijgen ze?
From "Yes Minister".
Bernard: Well, take the Foreign Office. First you get the CMG, then the KCMG, then the GCMG; the Commander of the Order of St Michael and St George, Knight Commander of St Michael and St George, Knight Grand Cross of St Michael and St George. Of course, in the Service, CMG stands for "Call Me God," and KCMG for "Kindly Call Me God."
Hacker: [chuckles] What does GCMG stand for?
Bernard: "God Calls Me God."
*written by Carl Smallwood, narrated by Simon Whistler*
So this is it. The peak of human achievement
I don't know the specific "Knighthood" but Sir Patrick Stewart was "Knighted" by the Queen back in 2010.
I can't believe you didn't drop his name at all during this video. Sir Patrick Stewart is such a great man and I love him in everything he's ever done.
"May this be the last blow you are ever dealt undefended."
_Oh.. kinky_
Sir Karl Smallwood and his trusty presenter Sir Simon Whistler to the rescue!! Saving the world from ignorance!
Sir!
This is easily in top 3 of best episodes ever. Thanks
loved the delivery of this topic. rofl in places. thank you!
Being knighted today would be kind of scary. Whose to say the old queen wouldn't slip with the sword?
Choppytehbear1337 I’m pretty sure it’s been dulled in case of accident.
She hasn't slipped in 66 years, so why would she now?
King Ralph is just a movie, smh. Her Majesty's not that kind of clumsy.
Woah chill. It's just a joke.
Choppytehbear1337
Lol jk I don’t mind
The reason STP can’t carry around his sword might have something to do with him being dead.RIP STP
Why am I not surprised it was Sir Pratchett
My dad and older brother were both knighted back in the 90's (by King & Queen of Malta). The only "benefit" they got, that I at least noted, was solely the cool title, plaque and certification. My dad bought my brother the knighthood as part of his wedding presents. Thus, the King & Queen were truly benefiting financially by selling knighthood titles for hefty costs.
chEErs
93
The slap you discussed is actually "the last unanswered blow" or "coulee" (sp?). A medieval knight was as an accomplished warrior not supposed to permit any blow to his person to pass without a counter and this final one symbolized the shift. This "coulee" remains in use in medieval and fantasy-medieval reenactment clubs.
Bonus fact! Sir Mix-Alot was the first African-American to be knighted.
chris clifton nope! It was sir Charles Barkley
@@QBAN2010 No, Sir Mix-A-Lot
It was the "Sir Duke" Ellington
@@TheBadGuy0987 Sir Mix-A-Lot
Dear Sir Terry never got to wave his sword in public. RIP Sir Terrance
8:47 - A revolution in the United Kingdom would be almost impossible given that the country has an absolute gun ban for commoners not in the military.
In order to have a gun in England (dont know the rules for the other 3 nations) there are strict licensing rules to follow. The type of use licensed would be farming, sports (target/hunting) or collecting.
You missed the progress of the revolution, it is being undertaken quietly through the institutions and seems now to be in its endgame...
I've watched dozens of your videos, you've always entertained me enough to keep me coming back. Enjoy the sub!
One time, when looking up Bob Hope on Wikipedia, I was surprised to discover that he held three different orders of knighthood. One of them was an honorary knighthood of the British Empire, but the other two were very real knighthoods he had been awarded by the pope for services to the Catholic Church. I went and looked up those two orders, and members of one of them have the special privilege of being allowed to ride their horses inside St, Peter's Basilica but, the article said, that privilege had not actually been exercised, "In a very long time."
#1:Sire, the peasants are revolting!
#2:Yes, yes they are.
Messenger: Sire, the peasants are revolting!
King: You don't smell so good yourself!
Simon pitching for his own knighthood...I will support it for that reason alone
It’s funny in the US it’s normal to refer to a stranger as Sir to get their attention
Great educational/informative video, Mr. Whistler.
Hope you can discuss the idea of a license to kill soon.
For some countries, Knighthood was used as a tool to get more taxes as Knights were expected to pay the higher taxes of a "minor noble". It was also sometimes used to grand minor lands to an unlanded gentleman in order to, once again, get more taxes, since now that gentleman was worth more so his share of the taxes increased.
The only reason it was still considered beneficial despite this obvious money grab was that being considered noble, even a minor noble, opened up a lot of doors and allowed your family to get some preferential treatment in some areas.
In today's world, with the percentile income-based tax system you wouldn't have increased taxes for becoming a noble because your income didn't actually change and land is no longer given away like this since people don't die as often as they used to so it's not feasible to give land to everyone who gets knighted that doesn't own land.
That is the best "British EMPIRE" pronouncation I ever heard.
2:45 a shout out to my boy Karl Smallwood! Nice!
Gotta love factfiend.
You're classy and informative, amusing. But good content mostly.
Karl? He's a f*ckin' mate, a bro, a guy just havin' an informative laugh.
Both of you, just.. great British Quality work mates :D
I like the idea of the Queen. She can literally do whatever she wants, and would have immense support barring the most horrid acts, but still... All that holds her back is... Her. Her morals. Beliefs. Honor. Kindness. Imagine the lady behind the title! What a soul!
She's kept in check by the fact that if she abused her powers action would be taken to reduce them or replace her. Edward was an example. Nobody wanted a Nazi sympathizer for a king, which among other things, led to him taking an early retirement. Elizabeth has nuclear weapons, but she can't just wake up on the wrong side of the bed and take out France.
The royals try to keep their bloodline because they clam they were "chosen by God" to rule.
North Korea took it a step further.. Their dear leader is looked at as actually being semi Devine.
She knows if you every uses her power she will lose it.
She still has a lot of power through diplomatic links, tbf I think France being next door also serves as a good reminder that European monarchs should keep their heads down...
you are so unbelievably disconnected from reality...
Thank you for another fascinating video. I Love your voice & accent.
One show I watched - Conquest - suggested that the slap (or punch as shown in the show) was supposed to be the last strike someone could give you. Afterwards you couldn't be slapped or punched without retaliation.
Take this slap and no other is what I’ve always heard said during a knighting ceremony.
It’s still crazy to me how much power is given to Kings & Queens in this day and age. Just some family with ultimate power that never did anything to get it aside from being born. Not that I really care one way or another, it’s not my country, it’s just fascinating how that whole system works
You are right to a point. The Queen lets the politicians use her powers, and take the fall for using her powers. She has made sure her role as Queen is to be above politics, to keep the politicians inline and to be the last resort in political situations. She rarely uses the powers she has or entitled to do, because she doesn't want to come across as political. That's the politicians jobs. Her primary job is to keep the government in check, behind the scenes.
Queen Elizabeth has been queen for over 65 years, you are a politician, and the first thing you have to do is swear an oath of allegiance to her, and her heirs - she is your boss at the end of the day. You have fucked up, and the Queen asks for a private audience at Buckingham Palace. Do you think she is going to ask you to have tea and crumpets? Hell no!!! She is going to want you to explain your actions, and give you a slap on the wrist. You listen to what she says/advises - she is your boss - she has 65 years of experience. Would you want to upset the Queen? Hell no!!!!
Locutus Hell no indeed. When I worked at Buckingham Palace we used to say that The Queen has the power of the raised eyebrow, and if you heard the words 'are you sure?', with a slight tilt of the head and a raised eyebrow then you better had be sure. The Queen sees through pretensions and flannel and aims straight for the centre. As you say, her experience! Prime Ministers might think again hearing the words,' yes Winston tried that and it didn't work then either.'
The thing with most of the royal prerogative is that everyone agrees that the Queen has such powers, so long as the Queen never actually bothers to use them - or only in cases where she's sure they'll be accepted.
If the Queen tried using her powers without solid reason, then there would be a constitutional crisis, and when the dust settled, her official powers would be sharply limited - and quite possibly in the hands of one of her heirs - assuming the republicans don't get their way.
rmsgrey yea I get that. Obviously that kind of power can’t go unchecked, that’s what modern society is all about. Still it’s fascinating how they get the power. For us in America, we elect our president, and they serve their 4 to 8 years and that’s that. Literally anyone born in the us with enough determination can get to that office. I assume the queen isn’t really the same as the president, I’m not to sure how the system works there. But assuming they are both the head of there respective governments, it really is crazy how in my life, I’ve had 4 different presidents from varying backgrounds, and in that same time period and far beyond, there has only been one ruling family
@@zacharyouten4525 The big advantage to the Brit's system is that the Queen doesn't have to worry about re-election. If she needs to sit a politician down and give them a dressing down for their bullshit, she can do it without having to worry about any consequences. That means that she can serve as the ultimate "off switch" if the Parliment goes completely off the rails.
Side note: I really wish she would speak up regarding Brexit.
Of course, she's very aware that overusing her powers will result in the people taking them away from her, so she's pretty cautious of using them.
‘Cause ya know, she’s the queen... 🤣
One day all channels on youtube will be hosted by this guy
You sir , are well appreciated for your narration and works. Thank you for your continued efforts to share our world's history.