THE ROYAL VISITS RATTLED REPUBLICANS

The Royal Visits to Australia caused some confusion among republicans. They were clearly rattled. First they pretended that there had been an increase in republicanism. We were told on 11 February that on the announcement of Prince Charles marriage, the ARM had a surge of people signing up as members and supporters.

A telephone poll in the Sydney Daily Telegraph on 15 February asked whether the republican debate should be returned to the national agenda with the announcement of the wedding. Sixty eight per cent said No.

REPUBLICANS WHO WANT DANISH SOVEREIGN!

Then some republicans, for example Dr Burgman, the President of the NSW Legislative Council, are proposing the Danish House replace ours.

I thought they were opposed to monarchy, not just our monarchy!

Readers may recall that when Dr. Burgman was elected, she was photographed taking down the portrait of the Sovereign to whom she had sworn or affirmed allegiance.

The Green Party, who are committed to some sort of a republic, now have a poll on their site, www.greens.org.au, asking this question:

If Australia is not a republic when the current reign Of Queen Elizabeth ends, who would you prefer as Queen and King of Australia ?

(A) Camilla Parker Bowles and Prince Charles
(B) Princess Mary and Crown Princess Frederik
(C) Princess Masuko and Prince Narahito of Japan?

Although republican journalists were delighted that the early results on this showed a preference for the Danes, what would they make of the latest? The results today were:
Camilla Parker Bowles and Prince Charles 34% (306)

Princess Mary and Crown Prince Frederik 27% (241)

Princess Masako and Crown Prince Naruhito of Japan 37% (331)

Total number of votes: 878

Perhaps the answer lies in the warning underneath that the poll that it is not scientific!

REPUBLICANS RATTLED BY THE MAGIC OF MONARCHY

Others republicans are obviously worried by the fact that the welcome and interest in Princess Mary indicated that the rank and file Australian rather likes monarchy. They are clearly rattled by the reaction to the magic of monarchy, as they were at the time of the passing of the Queen Mother and then the Golden Jubilee.

CONCLUSION

The fact is that the ARM has painted itself into a hole with its flawed Latham plan and Latham model for a republic. They will not be able to distract the public by abuse, threats or defamation, nor will this neutralise the magic of monarchy.

A REPUBLICAN PRAISES OUR CONSTITUTIONAL MONARCHY

As I was going to my car at Bondi Junction last Friday, I passed an unsteady figure on the ramp. He called out to me:
(Quote) David.David, what's your name?
Ah yes David Flint. I am a republican myself, and I am sorry, but I am p***ed.
Yes I am a republican, but that other thing - what is it called - ah, yes, monarchy - it does have one thing going for it.
Stability. Yes, stability.
Gees, I am really p***ed - are you?
Good on you Dave! (Unquote)
He staggered off into the distance. I was relieved to see he was not looking for his car but just the way out of the complex, which can confuse even the sober.

ALL THE STATES SAID NO!

We had a vote on a republic in 1999 after 10 years of pro-republic pushing from the media. More than 70 per cent of federal electorates voted "No", almost every state voted "No" and there was a 55 per cent "No" majority overall.

SO-CALLED ROYAL EXPERTS

In a previous column I warned that many so-called Royal Watchers and Royal experts were extremely suspect. Not so long ago I read in The Scotsman some extraordinary comments on the forthcoming Royal Marriage by one Harold Brookes-Taylor, who claimed some relationship with Burkes Peerage. I challenged those views in this column.

The Telegraph described him as a self-appointed authority on all matters royal. The advantage for journalists was that he was always available to make an arresting comment; his great disadvantage was that he was often wrong.

An American, who hyphenated his name, he claimed the most intimate knowledge of the lives of members of the Royal Family, such as the sleeping arrangements of the Queen and Prince Philip. He declared The Queen to be related to the Prophet Mohammed! He spoke confidently and frequently on constitutional matters.

The Palace was forced to issue a rare statement that Brooks Taylor did not know members of the Royal Family and that he spoke without their authority or knowledge. He was for some years managing director of Debretts Peerage, but left after a dispute.

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My Opinion

Wouldn't it be great if we had both the protection offered he Monarchical system of Government plus Citizens Initiated referenda as practised by the Swiss for over 100 years.
N.M.