Twice during the 1970s, a stroppy decade, leftish British politicians tried to turn the monarchy into a nationalised industry. There were plans to place Queen Elizabeth II and a few close relatives on state salaries and sack the rest of her family, and-a few years later-for a Department for Royal Affairs, bringing the crown under Whitehall's management. Both attempts were resisted. Since then, royal aides have cannily worked to secure autonomy and arms-length financing from government. Just now, the mood behind palace walls must be giddy relief.
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