It is a relative downgrade, in the sense that Europe was a lot worse of a place to live in the past. But I’m not sure, I think I’d rather be a rich guy in modern Europe than some king. If you are a rich guy in modern Europe:
* You get modern medical care
* Fancy cars
* Killing you isn’t a major political objective for a bunch of different countries
* You can probably hang out with American celebrities if they have the time
By that token most people who have ever had the title of King, Shah, Emperor, Chief, Bwana, Pharoah, etc. would trade me my weight in gold to enjoy my flea-free mattress and working refrigerator.
* You get modern medical care
* Fancy cars
* Killing you isn’t a major political objective for a bunch of different countries
* You can probably hang out with American celebrities if they have the time
* Better food