http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk/8397664.stm

Good on 'em. Even if you don't like the Royals you probably think the average pap needs a slap

90% of the news today seems to be about what some starlet or other had for lunch... It is boring and pointless, I really can't believe they make so much money out of it...

They could all just abdicate and be done with it.

It’s a mental anaesthetic. As long as people are spying on their virtual neighbours and living their lives vicariously, they don’t have to worry about the badness that is going on in the world. A fluffy starlet in a new dress is more interesting than, say, economic collapse, society’s descent into near anarchy and a government with less grip on power than ever before. What me, worry?

There is also an entire industry around this now, I’d guess it’s worth billions.