In the same category, I once had a student who speculated that there were more precipitations over mountains because mountains needed water to grow faster...
The Brits definitely did this. Cromwell was a proto-Bonaparte and bears the same stigma against the republican regime. It is the proof that power should never be given fully to the people and that part of it should always remain in the hands of people who were never chosen on their merit but because of their birth. Hence the royal family and the house of lords.
Growing up helped a lot. I never feel like everyone is staring at me for no reason anymore. If people are going to stare at me, it is because I am wearing my old-fashioned tweed 3-pieces or something.
Best joke always in the comments!