In 1993 a conference sponsored by Charter 88 and The Times discussed the British monarchy. Writers, film-makers, journalists and scholars - and a few politicians - assembled for a day of fierce, controversial and funny debate. This book contains a rewritten collection of some of the contributions to that discussion. Among them are Claire Rayner's memories of the role of the Queen in selling women's magazines; Martin Amis's dream about his night with the Duchess of York; Patrick Wright's analysis of the Prince of Wales's effect on serious debate; Sue Townsend's thoughts on the Queen and us; and Christopher Hitchens's ferocious farewell to British servility. Also included are essays by Anthony Barnett, Tom Nairn, Stephen Haseler, Will Hutton, Lady Longford, Billy Bragg and David Hare.