> They're not of course ceremonial, rather it's traditional that they don't fire the loaded gun they're given and everyone pretends like they're not only incapa

> They're not of course ceremonial, rather it's traditional that they don't fire the loaded gun they're given and everyone pretends like they're not only incapable of it, but doing so would end the monarchy. I mean, traditionally, doing so is bad for his majesty's health; see Charles II in particular, but also to a large extent Edward VIII (the divorcee thing was a handy excuse, but a big part of the reason that the government was so keen to fire him was that he was seen as high-risk for misbehaviour).