The sound of prayer streamed through every corridor and corner as if the voices of the imams had a supernatural reach. The late Hilary Mantel knew better than most how the appropriation of deference to sanctified individuals and religious structures helps to maintain the power of elites. At once “one superhuman”, Mantel said, “and yet less than human”I’m not suggesting that it is all a trick of the light, and there is no genuine affection for the Queen and support for the royal family. But dominant institutions understand very well that it can feel good to feel small. There is another illusion: that of a nation galvanised by its royal family rather than marshalled towards it.

Source: The Guardian September 27, 2022 23:01 UTC