British Royal family might become smaller after the Queen's death
July 12, 2021, 2:52 am

British Royal family might become smaller after the Queen's death

According to the Express, a royal commentator said the royal family will likely become "smaller and less significant" after the end of the Queen's reign.

Royal expert Ian Lloyd believes it highly likely the end of the Queen's reign will bring upon the Royal Family several changes. The death of Her Majesty will likely have an impact on the Firm's stardom as none of its current members can equal the Queen's fame around the world.

The Express reported that author of 'The Duke: 100 Chapters in the Life of Prince Philip' told the magazine "I think the monarchy will become smaller and less significant.

"The Queen is a huge international star like Diana was, but I don't think any of the younger royals are as big as her."

Mr Lloyd added the Queen's contribution to the UK and the Crown "cannot be mirrored", both in terms of her commitment to duty and service and because of the record-breaking length of her reign.

The Queen acceded to the throne in 1952, following the death of her father King George VI.

Thanks to her life-long dedication to the Crown and the country and some of her choices she has become an icon around the world.

She has also been among the most loved members of the Royal Family across her realms throughout her reign.

The Queen's determination to dedicate her life to the Commonwealth and service means she is unlikely to ever step down.

Aged 21, she famously delivered a speech in which she pledged to devote her life "to your service and the service of our great imperial family to which we all belong."

Speaking to her late cousin and confidant Margaret Rhodes, the monarch conceded she would only step down if she suffered a stroke or got Alzheimer's.

However, Mr Lloyd believes the younger generations of royals, starting from Prince William, may choose to reign for a few decades and then pass on the Crown to their firstborns - much like it happens in most European monarchies.

This would allow the future monarchs to reign while they can carry out all the functions required by their role, including long-haul flights.

The author said: "Prince Charles would never do abdicate, he may be 80 by the time he ascends to the throne, and I think he would want to have a bit of time as King.

"I would think in the future Prince William may become the first British monarch of this century to abdicate when he reaches a certain age, because it's better to have a King or Queen coming to the throne at the age of 40 and retire in your 70s when you have good health and can represent the country around the world.

"That may be a change we will see in the future."

Mr Lloyd also said another possible change in the monarchy after the Queen's reign could concern the traditional pomp and expenses dedicated to some of the royal ceremonies.

While the Queen had a lavish coronation at Westminster Abbey, Mr Lloyd does not believe Britons "would stomach" a similar ceremony for Prince Charles and his successors.

He said: "I think Charles's coronation will be smaller, much reduced in comparison with the one of the Queen in 1953.

"I don't think people would stomach such a vast ceremony.

"If you look back to the Queen's coronation, it took one year to plan it.

"They transformed Westminster Abbey, they built an annexe to create more seatings.

"I don't think people today would like those kinds of things."

Mr Lloyd stressed the possible lack of appetite of Britons for a big coronation over the next decade has nothing to do with Prince Charles or his popularity but, rather, concerns the changes that have taken place in the UK society over the past 70 years.

The bill taxpayers would have to foot may also make many Britons reluctant to embrace plans for big coronations, the expert added, considering the turmoil caused by the huge costs of the past publicly-funded royal weddings.

The Crown, Mr Lloyd continued, will likely become less formal to be more relatable and accessible to the changing society.

But the pomp which makes the monarchy so distinctive will remain, albeit modified from the way it is before.

Source: express

Image source: Getty Images-express

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BENEFIT, the Kingdom’s innovator and leading company in Fintech and electronic financial transactions service, held its Annual General Meeting (AGM) at the company’s headquarters in the Seef District.
During the meeting, shareholders approved all items listed on the agenda, including the ratification of the minutes of the previous AGM held on 26 March 2024. The session reviewed and approved the Board’s Annual Report on the company’s activities and financial performance for the fiscal year ended 31 December 2024, and the shareholders expressed their satisfaction with the company’s operational and financial results during the reporting period.
The meeting also reviewed the Independent External Auditor’s Report on the company’s consolidated financial statements for the year ended 31 December 2024. Subsequently, the shareholders approved the audited financial statements for the fiscal year. Based on the Board’s recommendation, the shareholders approved the distribution of a cash dividend equivalent to 10% of the paid-up share capital.
Furthermore, the shareholders endorsed the allocation of a total amount of BD 172,500 as remuneration to the members of the Board for the year ended 31 December 2024, subject to prior clearance by related authorities.
The extension of the current composition of the Board was approved, which includes ten members and one CBB observer, for a further six-month term, expiring in September 2025, pending no objection from the CBB.
The meeting reviewed and approved the Corporate Governance Report for 2024, which affirmed the company’s full compliance with the corporate governance directives issued by the CBB and other applicable regulatory frameworks. The AGM absolved the Board Members of liability for any of their actions during the year ending on 31st December 2024, in accordance with the Commercial Companies Law.
In alignment with regulatory requirements, the session approved the reappointment of Ernst & Young (EY) as the company’s External Auditors for the fiscal year 2025, covering both the parent company and its subsidiaries—Sinnad and Bahrain FinTech Bay. The Board was authorised to determine the external auditors’ professional fees, subject to approval from the CBB, and the meeting concluded with a discussion of any additional issues as per Article (207) of the Commercial Companies Law.
Speaking on the company’s performance, Mr. Mohamed Al Bastaki, Chairman BENEFIT , stated: “In terms of the financial results for 2024, I am pleased to say that the year gone by has also been proved to be a success in delivering tangible results. Growth rate for 2024 was 19 per cent. Revenue for the year was BD 17 M (US$ 45.3 Million) and net profit was 2 Million ($ 5.3 Million).

Mr. Al Bastaki also announced that the Board had formally adopted a new three-year strategic roadmap to commence in 2025. The strategy encompasses a phased international expansion, optimisation of internal operations, enhanced revenue diversification, long-term sustainability initiatives, and the advancement of innovation and digital transformation initiatives across all service lines.
“I extend my sincere appreciation to the CBB for its continued support of BENEFIT and its pivotal role in fostering a stable and progressive regulatory environment for the Kingdom’s banking and financial sector—an environment that has significantly reinforced Bahrain’s standing as a leading financial hub in the region,” said Mr. Al Bastaki. “I would also like to thank our partner banks and valued customers for their trust, and our shareholders for their ongoing encouragement. The achievements of 2024 set a strong precedent, and I am confident they will serve as a foundation for yet another successful and impactful year ahead.”
Chief Executive of BENEFIT; Mr. Abdulwahed AlJanahi commented, “The year 2024 represented another pivotal chapter in BENEFIT ’s evolution. We achieved substantial progress in advancing our digital strategy across multiple sectors, while reinforcing our long-term commitment to the development of Bahrain’s financial services and payments landscape. Throughout the year, we remained firmly aligned with our objective of delivering measurable value to our shareholders, strategic partners, and customers. At the same time, we continued to play an active role in enabling Bahrain’s digital economy by introducing innovative solutions and service enhancements that directly address market needs and future opportunities.”
Mr. AlJanahi affirmed that BENEFIT has successfully developed a robust and well-integrated payment network that connects individuals and businesses across Bahrain, accelerating the adoption of emerging technologies in the banking and financial services sector and reinforcing Bahrain’s position as a growing fintech hub, and added, “Our achievements of the past year reflect a long-term vision to establish a resilient electronic payment infrastructure that supports the Kingdom’s digital economy. Key developments in 2024 included the implementation of central authentication for open banking via BENEFIT Pay”
Mr. AlJanahi concluded by thanking the Board for its strategic direction, the company’s staff for their continued dedication, and the Central Bank of Bahrain, member banks, and shareholders for their valuable partnership and confidence in the company’s long-term vision.