Well, HM (my nickanme for the Queen) is the only one the people will listen to. Second, these riots were brewing for some time, as evidenced by the undercurrent of developing hostility that prompted discussions of whether or not the wedding ceremony should have been moved to the less expensive side chapel (St. George’s Chapel) of Westminster and also postponed. I am surprised really that something didn’t happen during the wedding.
I don’t see how on earth they will be able to hold the Olympics safely if this isn’t just stopped, but that the issues are resolved. If the safety of the teams cannot be guaranteed, then frankly put they have no business holding them. Extra police will not prevent the rioters from starting something or breaking through. It would probably be better if in fact the Jubilee were downgraded to a private celebration.
There are those (ethnically white English too) - in the UK - who are diehard anti-monarchists. But, they are not the main *instigators* of the recent riots, though may well be part of it. That's my assessment based on what I'm hearing from those I know in the UK. The undercurrent behind the recent riots goes back almost a decade, and involves a combination of variables & factors; social, cultural, economic, and political.
Most of Will and Kate’s wedding bill (cost) were covered by the royal family, themselves. The royal family - incl. HM - pay taxes, hefty ones too. The two families also picked up the tab for the church service, music, flowers, decor, reception and honeymoon. Taxpayers, however, paid the bill for security and street cleaning, only. Re: your post #13, extra day off followed by Easter break & May Day holidays, this article should put things into perspective.
Additionally, "The British media has reported that the various estimates of the total wedding-related revenue, generated through additional retail spending, tourism, and pub sales, ranged from £1 billion to £2 billion. In fact, according to a ballpark figure provided by price comparison website Kelkoo, the sale of royal wedding merchandise and commemorative products such as mugs, plates, pens, compacts, ashtrays, shot glasses, bookmarks, reusable bags, and car flags alone exceeded £0.5 billion." Royal Wedding Benefits
The Queen's Diamond Jubilee & associated direct cost is intended to be met entirely through private donations & sponsorship, not by taxpayers. The gov't will, however, pick up security costs incurred for dealing with crowds. Revenue projections for Olympics and Royal events
I completely agree that safety has to be guaranteed, and riots should be stopped & issues dealt with. We're also still a yr away from the Olympics. Which other country could host the Olympics now or in a yr? About downgrading the Jubilee celebrations, it is a tough call. You see, it isn't & never meant be a "private or personal" celebration! The Jubilee is meant to be very much shared with the public, especially the British public. So, if Britons by majority don't want it, then perhaps it shouldn't be held at all!