Harry M Miller’s revelation that Prince Charles wondered why Australia remained a constitutional monarchy will come as no surprise to those of us who have been reporting on and watching the British royals for some time.
If there’s one thing that senior members of the royal family detest it’s the fawning and groveling of those they meet, and Australia heads the list of major offenders in that department.
As an example, some years ago the Queen decided that the last century habit of women dropping a curtsy was no longer necessary but the individuals could continue to bend the knee if it made them happy.
Those who continue this archaic nonsense of course misread the monarch’s message which was – please don’t bother.
And in recent years the so called “mystique” which once surrounded that elite, out of touch mob, has been stripped bare by the behavior of the family’s younger members who are no longer taken seriously, except of course by die-hard monarchists.
The have ceased to royal and have cloaked themselves in celebrity.
It’s a known fact that when the Duke of Edinburgh heard we rejected the opportunity to become a republic ten years ago he snapped: those Australians must be bloody mad!
Prince Charles might come across as being loopy – but he’s far from that. The bloke has of course lived a life of privilege, but somehow he’s crashed through all that and does great things for disadvantaged young people.
But so what?
As this country’s, God help us, next head of state, what he does for his own people – is of no concern in Australia. The monarchists would have us believe the British royal family is Australia’s royal family…funny that. not an Australian among them!
Harry M Miller’s revelation couldn’t have come at a better time. If the next King of Australia wonders why we don’t become a republic, why don’t we do something about it?
- Barry Everingham is a commentator on royalty
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@paulwiggins It's interesting - I think sentimentalism was hugely powerful for both leadership & staff. Or management just afraid to change
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