[poppycock]

The empire may no longer around but the UK and the Commonwealth still are. They are thriving. France is still around, and despite the protests, is still a wealthy nation. Belgium is still going strong. The US is the richest country in the world. Turkey is still kicking. Despite Nanjing, Japan's economy is to die for.

[FredPret]

The former empires are shadows of their former selves and had to undergo significant reforms. Nobody knows or cares who the king of Belgium is anymore.