These days it's the lottery that is obsessing the nation, not only fueling dreams of instant wealth for the millions of weekly punters but also provoking lofty editorials, angering the clergy, exciting politicians and generally causing more controversy than the relationships of the royals.
Sheer novelty is part of the explanation.
But expectations are also behind the lottery's problems. Trouble is, one Briton's worthy cause is another's waste of money. Trying to benefit the poor has raised hackles too. No one can agree on who should get what. She prefers beneficiaries who have been overlooked.