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As queen turns 80, Brits weigh value of monarchy

Jeffrey Stinson USA TODAY Apr. 21, 2006 12:00 AM

LONDON - Queen Elizabeth II, who has been on the throne longer than all but three British monarchs, turns 80 today.

She will spend her birthday much as she has spent her 54 years as Britain's figurehead: On Thursday, she visited the Royal Institute of International Affairs and the BBC; both also were celebrating their 80th birthdays. Today, she will go on one of her "royal walkabouts" to talk with her subjects in the town of Windsor. Elizabeth will cap the day at a dinner hosted by her son and heir to the throne, Prince Charles, and his wife, Camilla.

Although she is 15 years past the normal retirement age in Great Britain, Elizabeth won't be quitting.

"She's always made it clear she will not abdicate," Buckingham Palace spokeswoman Ailsa Anderson said.

As the popular Elizabeth enters her twilight years, some Britons wonder whether the sun should set on the 1,000-year-old British monarchy when it sets on her, especially with the unpopular Charles, 57, next in line for the throne.

Advocates of maintaining the monarchy say having Elizabeth as the symbolic head of a great nation, performing ceremonial duties, is worth the $65 million it costs British taxpayers every year.

"Almost from the moment she was born, she has done her duty without flinching and without complaint," said historian Robert Lacey, who has written two biographies of Elizabeth. "That's one reason there is deep and abiding affection for her."

Foes, however, portray the monarchy and its birthright of privilege and wealth as anachronisms in the 21st century.

"People want a say in who leads them," said Graham Smith, campaign coordinator for Republic, the nation's leading anti-monarchy group. Smith and his group say the monarchy should be replaced with someone who is elected to represent the nation in a ceremonial fashion.