The only insulation from that would be if you already knew how truly "stuffy" and institutional they were-and still are for the most part. Like you (presumably) I wasn't aware of all that and so, yes, I came to feel the same way. I know, from my neighbor, that "routine" is paramount for the English. You do things the same way you have always done them. You just do. King Edward's abdication caused such tremor within the Monarchy that they still are fighting to "keep things in order". How dare him hook up with a married woman? Similar to what's going on with Prince Harry. Married an American divorcee who is part black. Oh my !!
