On: The Queen has more power over British law than we ...

[boomboomsubban]

If a crisis happens, which side do you think the military would support, the one they pledged allegiance to or the one paying their wages?

[arethuza → boomboomsubban]

I've actually had that discussion with an ex-Army officer and he was adamant that the Army would support the monarch.

Mind you - he was an officer and from a rather posh guards regiment so that's kind of what I would expect him to say.

Mind you - the UK can only have a standing army with the express permission of Parliament:

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bill_of_Rights_1689

[boomboomsubban → arethuza]

>Mind you - the UK can only have a standing army with the express permission of Parliament:

This requirement only seems to apply to British Army, the Navy and Air Force are exempt. W good example of how unimportant the pageantry is.

[kitd → boomboomsubban]

IIRC, it's because the British Army can trace its origins back to the New Model Army, so pledging allegiance to the Crown was more than just a formality back then.

In contrast, the 'Royal' Navy was created expressly by the monarch so allegiance is implied.

[kitd → boomboomsubban]

Well, that's the thing about having the muscle. Ultimately, you can make that decision for yourself.