Quote ="BrisbaneRhino"
I just don't understand how anyone with a vaguely rational mind can countenance a royal family (and all it stands for) in the 21st century.'"
I guess it depends on what you think the royal family actually is and stands for.
If you see it as a monarch who is the ultimate power in the state and there only through birth and is the leader of her subjects etc etc, then yes I agree with you.
However I see the royal family as a link to our nations history (both good and bad), fulfills a ceremonial role for the nation and allows us to have some of the patriotic flag waving that happens in all countries from time to time, without it getting too xenophobic.
I also think it takes that ceremonial role away from the alternative, which would have to be some form of elected President. I don't necessarily think that that is any better. Especially as despite being a monarch, she's only there because the people allow her to be.
So for me its not a major issue and I think there are far, far bigger issues that threaten British people's lives and freedoms than the royal family.