The View From Ireland: Clown-Worshippers For Neighbours

A vivid and striking analogy from The Irish Times, penned by columnist Patrick Freyne gained notable attention:

"Having a monarchy next door is a little like having a neighbour who's really into clowns and, also, your grandfather was murdered by a clown."

Let’s unpack the meaning and significance of this metaphor:

What Does It Mean?

1. The Clown = Spectacle of the Monarchy

The “clown” metaphor captures how the monarchy often appears to many—as a flamboyant, kitschy relic filled with pageantry and eccentricity. The imagery of clown murals and dolls alludes to the performative, theatrical aspect of royal life: pomp, ceremony, and an obsession with tradition and image.

2. The Murdered Grandfather = Historical Harm and Trauma

By adding that “your grandfather was murdered by a clown,” Freyne introduces a stark contrast. It suggests that, while the monarchy seems absurd from a distance, it has also been a vehicle for real suffering in Ireland—colonial oppression, famine, cultural erasure, and violent suppression.

This isn’t an embellishment. It reflects a lived experience for many Irish families, whose ancestors were directly harmed under British rule.

3. A Juxtaposition of Absurdity and Violence

This metaphor does two things at once. It mocks the absurdity of monarchy while refusing to allow that mockery to obscure or trivialize the decades (or centuries) of trauma it inflicted. It’s a powerful way to say:

“You may see them as a pantomime—but for us, they symbolise something deeply personal and injurious.”

Why the Analogy Resonates

Evokes Emotion and History

Freyne manages to evoke both laughter and remembrance in just one sentence—a rare feat. It turns a cultural observation into something visceral and grounded in history.

Reflects Ireland’s Unique Perspective

Ireland's relationship with the British monarchy is complex: proximity yet resistance, familiarity yet fierce independence. That line encapsulates that duality—cultural closeness alongside deep-seated conflict.

A Witty Slice of Political Commentary

The broader piece was written in the wake of Harry and Meghan’s interview with Oprah—a moment that sharpened debate around the monarchy’s relevance and integrity. This opening line set the tone, blending satire with pointed critique.

In Summary

-The monarchy may appear like comic theater (“clown”) to some.

-But for many Irish people, it also represents a legacy of oppression and trauma (“murdered grandfather”).

- Putting those images together underscores that it’s not just absurd—it’s historically weighty and deeply personal.

Here’s to the day we finally get rid of the clowns once and for all!