I am quite sure that most British people don't have images of Her Majesty in their minds for every moment that they are singing the national anthem. An exception might be when she is present. It's usually only the first verse that's sung anyway and if people think anything at all there are probably some patriotic thoughts and feelings.
Having said that, 'God Save the Queen/King' was a patriotic song that became a national anthem almost by default. It's unique in that it refers to a country's sovereign and I do think it's odd, quite frankly. I like 'I vow to thee my country' much better.
Having said that, surely to goodness Corbyn's problems with it and other issues of precedence will be solved in the fullness of time. I do think he is making a play for those republican Labour Party voters but not singing the national anthem may be a false step. The British don't like radicalism on either side of the spectrum.
When Labour first came into office in the 1920's King George V bent over backwards to make the ministers feel comfortable. He wore a red tie at their first meeting and dropped the requirement for them to wear court dress.
Having said that, 'God Save the Queen/King' was a patriotic song that became a national anthem almost by default. It's unique in that it refers to a country's sovereign and I do think it's odd, quite frankly. I like 'I vow to thee my country' much better.
Having said that, surely to goodness Corbyn's problems with it and other issues of precedence will be solved in the fullness of time. I do think he is making a play for those republican Labour Party voters but not singing the national anthem may be a false step. The British don't like radicalism on either side of the spectrum.
When Labour first came into office in the 1920's King George V bent over backwards to make the ministers feel comfortable. He wore a red tie at their first meeting and dropped the requirement for them to wear court dress.