Yeah, it's surprising the number of otherwise reasonable, liberal-minded people I know who think the monarchy is a good idea 'because it gives us stability and stuff', and/or believe that the only alternative would be to have a US-style presidential system.

There are so many nearby countries that have neither. Ireland is the best example, but the largely ceremonial roles in Italy and Germany - two countries that could hardly be more different in their electoral traditions - would also work perfectly well.