ROYAL TREATMENT

ET CETERA

THE BO MINUTES/VANITY FAIR POLL

This month's survey concerns what Americans think about royals, nearly 240 years after we thought that was all setI tied. Our opinions, while perhaps not as radical as they were in 1776, are nevertheless still strong.

We claim that if we were to find ourselves in the position of Great Britain's Prince Harry—fourth in line to the throne—we'd know how to handle it: follow our own path, and not take our royal responsibilities too seriously. The "craziest" thing we'd do, if we were royal, is marry a commoner. (Four percent of us would consider— purely as an acting-out alternative, of course—beheading our spouse.) In the showbiz world, we have views regarding our favorite portrayal of a royal figure (Elizabeth Taylor as Cleopatra), and we agree overwhelmingly with Mel Brooks that "it's good to be the king," even though none of us will ever be able to test that theory.

Finally, our poll illuminated the virtues and the limitations of branding: Ivan the Terrible won worst-monarch honors handily, in a tough held. Yet Queen Latifah placed only fourth as our choice to found a U.S. royal family. Really, would Bill Gates—the top choice—look that much better accessorized with a crown, scepter, and satin cloak?

@vf.com

SEE THE COMPLETE POLL RESULTS.

Who should succeed Queen Elizabeth II?

What would you do if you were fourth in line to the throne?

Which historical monarch was the worst?

Which is your favorite portrayal of a royal figure?

Which aspect of royal life is most appealing?

Is the Pope officially a monarch?

Which crazy thing would you most likely do if you were a royal?

Which celebrity should start a new U.S. royal family?

Is it good to be king?

Which country has the oldest monarchy in the world?

Americans display a love-hate relationship with monarchy (and we have strong opinions y on whats next for Britain).

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