It was the last evening of September, and curious minds from 10 different countries (🇬🇧, 🇫🇷, 🇪🇸, 🇳🇱, 🇺🇦, 🇦🇷, 🇮🇹, 🇨🇿, 🇩🇪, 🇧🇷) came together to debate the fate of the British Monarchy.

Is the existence of the British monarchy a fantastic thing for Britain, that helps unite the country, promote Britain all over the world, bring tourists to the country, and provide a sense of continuity that republican countries have lost?

Or is a monarchy an archaic institution that doesn't represent Britain in the 21st century, that has failed in its role of promoting good moral behaviour, and that no longer has a place in modern Britain?

That was the topic of our fifth members-only session, and it was certainly a lot of fun.

Members got to choose beforehand whether they preferred to save or abolish the monarchy, and split up into two smaller 'breakout' groups.

They then discussed how to prepare for 'battle' with the opposite side, and agreed on points to discuss.

I acted as 'moderator' for the evening, and each side had the opportunity to present its arguments and respond to the points of the other one.

The debate continued for a good half an hour, but then the time was up, and we had to decide what to do to the British monarchy, and Queen Elizabeth.

It was a tough one to call, and I have to confess that we agreed that, at the ripe old age of 94, it would be unfair to send The Queen to the guillotine, but there were certainly some compelling arguments on either side.

So it was a 'draw', and we'd have to have another debate on the subject when a new monarch is crowned.

I'm already excited about our next one.

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Our members-only sessions happen monthly. If you would like to attend the next one, you should consider becoming a member of Leonardo English.