That's really sad. The arts and sciences get brushed aside so very much. But when the "show" is on, what provides the proper atmosphere... those same arts and sciences! Beautiful music, wonderful clothing/armor and decorations.

I had to edit my post to include the food, of course... it's not actually part of "court" which is where my mind was on my original post, but the food is another place where people just assume it's gonna be there and kind of take it for granted.

The royalty should especially appreciate all facets of the activities... if they do not, then they are not only missing out on some wonderful stuff, but setting a bad example for the rest of the populace.

Well it does say on their royal progress that any events that they go to should have armored fighting if at all possible, actually I don't see ANY events on their royal progress that don't have some sort of fighting either light or heavy...and yes that is very sad... :( especially for us theatre, singing, playing, dancing types...there's not a ball at Coronation this year either :(

I guess everyone has their own thing... I personally can't stand watching the heavy fighting, although I have enjoyed a few Fencing tournaments in my day.

I feel part of being royalty really means supporting *all* of the interests, not only the ones they personally happen to be interested in. It's part of the job. If they don't want that part of the job, then they shouldn't fight for the job- let someone who really wants it have it.