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Warning: I get a little rambly at the end. In my defense, It's late and I'm going to a wedding tomorrow!
In preparation for the wedding, I have watched quite a few Royal Wedding specials on BBC iPlayer and browsed the internet for tacky mugs.
I have also re-read Sam Storyteller's fic Defender of the Faith. Because reading a fictionalized account of the Queen meeting the Torchwood team is clearly preparation to stand in a crowd of some thousands of people and try to catch a glimpse of Will and Kate.
I also re-read A Man not Alone, because it may be an AU, but a future with King William and Ianto Jones establishing the Time Agency sounds pretty good to me.
I just re-read Madrigal dei Traditori by NancyBrown last week, so I'm not going through it again for the two mentions of King William there (First when Lois has to present the info, and the second when Jack mentions that His Majesty is backing Torchwood in saving the planet. Think I've read that fic often enough?)
Oh, wow. Now I want to dig up all Torchwood fic that relates to or mentions the monarchy. The idea makes perfect sense, actually. Queen Victoria established Torchwood, and we have no sign that they in any way follow the lead of the government. I privately theorize that they are still funded by the monarchy, who own a considerable amount of real estate and other assets in the United Kingdom. And in a universe with UNIT, Torchwood needs a different sort of justification driving force besides "government blah blah."
So I like monarchy stories. I mean, Jack has been around through a few different eras, so we've got tons of potential fic right there. I haven't seen anything Edwardian or George VI stuff, but Victoria has been mentioned a few times, even though I simply can't recall the fic. She was more of a throwaway line every time I've seen her, something thrown in by Jack. Not really a plot point.
Actually, I pretty much agree with Sam's take on Jack and Victoria, contrary to the other fics I sort-of remember, where Jack seems somewhat fond (or scandalous) in his recollections. First of all, we don't have evidence of Jack being in the UK before 1899, and Queen Victoria died only two years later. Odds are they never met, honestly. Second, Queen Victoria established the anti-Doctor stance of Torchwood, and as a clearly pro-Doctor sort of guy, Jack would likely have been a less than happy about that.
Also, the established fearful, anti-alien stance of Torchwood didn't do Jack any favors.
How great would it be to see the Torchwood and monarchy relationship through the years? I'm no expert on Edward or George VI, although Jack probably being heavily involved in the Wars, he would have opinions. And ignoring Jack, the leaders of Torchwoods 1-4 probably had interesting relationships with the various monarchs throughout the years. Two and Three especially, considering the changing attitudes to Scotland and Wales over the years. (And if Four was in Ireland, then them especially) And Torchwood India! Can you imagine?
This being SF, it's not surprise that we get a few fics with King William. If the 21st century is when everything changes, odds are good that he'll be reigning during those changes. And while the role of the monarchy has changed over time, I think Torchwood would fit in the wacky, uncertain politcking of the royal family more so than, say, the more regimented elected government. "Outside the government, beyond the police," but where do you fall when the Queen/King calls you to serve?
Man, I have to find more Torchwood fics exploring this theme. Any recs?
In preparation for the wedding, I have watched quite a few Royal Wedding specials on BBC iPlayer and browsed the internet for tacky mugs.
I have also re-read Sam Storyteller's fic Defender of the Faith. Because reading a fictionalized account of the Queen meeting the Torchwood team is clearly preparation to stand in a crowd of some thousands of people and try to catch a glimpse of Will and Kate.
I also re-read A Man not Alone, because it may be an AU, but a future with King William and Ianto Jones establishing the Time Agency sounds pretty good to me.
I just re-read Madrigal dei Traditori by NancyBrown last week, so I'm not going through it again for the two mentions of King William there (First when Lois has to present the info, and the second when Jack mentions that His Majesty is backing Torchwood in saving the planet. Think I've read that fic often enough?)
Oh, wow. Now I want to dig up all Torchwood fic that relates to or mentions the monarchy. The idea makes perfect sense, actually. Queen Victoria established Torchwood, and we have no sign that they in any way follow the lead of the government. I privately theorize that they are still funded by the monarchy, who own a considerable amount of real estate and other assets in the United Kingdom. And in a universe with UNIT, Torchwood needs a different sort of justification driving force besides "government blah blah."
So I like monarchy stories. I mean, Jack has been around through a few different eras, so we've got tons of potential fic right there. I haven't seen anything Edwardian or George VI stuff, but Victoria has been mentioned a few times, even though I simply can't recall the fic. She was more of a throwaway line every time I've seen her, something thrown in by Jack. Not really a plot point.
Actually, I pretty much agree with Sam's take on Jack and Victoria, contrary to the other fics I sort-of remember, where Jack seems somewhat fond (or scandalous) in his recollections. First of all, we don't have evidence of Jack being in the UK before 1899, and Queen Victoria died only two years later. Odds are they never met, honestly. Second, Queen Victoria established the anti-Doctor stance of Torchwood, and as a clearly pro-Doctor sort of guy, Jack would likely have been a less than happy about that.
Also, the established fearful, anti-alien stance of Torchwood didn't do Jack any favors.
How great would it be to see the Torchwood and monarchy relationship through the years? I'm no expert on Edward or George VI, although Jack probably being heavily involved in the Wars, he would have opinions. And ignoring Jack, the leaders of Torchwoods 1-4 probably had interesting relationships with the various monarchs throughout the years. Two and Three especially, considering the changing attitudes to Scotland and Wales over the years. (And if Four was in Ireland, then them especially) And Torchwood India! Can you imagine?
This being SF, it's not surprise that we get a few fics with King William. If the 21st century is when everything changes, odds are good that he'll be reigning during those changes. And while the role of the monarchy has changed over time, I think Torchwood would fit in the wacky, uncertain politcking of the royal family more so than, say, the more regimented elected government. "Outside the government, beyond the police," but where do you fall when the Queen/King calls you to serve?
Man, I have to find more Torchwood fics exploring this theme. Any recs?
