ARM Press release: Prince William and Australia (18/1/10)

Australian Republican Movement

MEDIA RELEASE

Prince William and Australia

19 January, 2010

The second in line to the title ‘King of Australia’, Prince William, is due to arrive in Australia today for just the second time, the only other being when he was 10 months old.

While noting William’s belated interest in Australia, the Australian Republican Movement (ARM) would remind him that most Australians — 59 per cent at last polling — are republicans, and want an Aussie as head of state.

After a week in New Zealand representing his grandmother, William will be having just three days in Australia with the reported aim being to "get to know Australia". He will visit only Sydney and Melbourne.

Last year, Prince William launched England’s bid to host the prestigious 2018 Football World Cup tournament, and since that time has been lobbying extensively for the English bid. Australia also has an excellent bid for the 2018 hosting rights but, to date, William has not talked about, issued a word of support, or even acknowledged Australia’s bid.

"To have a future head of state who lobbies against Australian interests in favour of his own country is unacceptable for any sovereign nation. It offends the independence and aspirations of the Australian people", said the Chair of the ARM, Major General Mike Keating.

"The fact is, the monarchy has little relevance to Australia these days because it no longer represents the nation’s values or modern day sense of itself," he said.

"William’s brief holiday in Australia after his duties in New Zealand again emphasises the need for Australians to update the constitution to reflect the reality."

William has accepted an invitation to speak at an official Australia Day function being hosted by the Victorian Governor on January 21 in Melbourne.

"Given his acknowledged lack of familiarity with Australia and Australians, he is speaking as a foreign dignitary on our National Day, not as one of us," said Major General Keating.

"It would be appropriate if he noted the republican sentiments of the majority of Australians. He also should restate that the House of Windsor has no role in that debate and that he, like his grandmother, would be happy if Australia chose to become a republic," he said.

"William should acknowledge the aspirations of the majority of the Australian people if he wishes to have a meaning-ful relationship with the Australian people."

"Most Australians want to formalise our independence as a fully sovereign Australian republic with a democratically appointed or elected head of state who is an Australian."

"Future visits by members of the British royal family could then merely reflect a close and mature relationship with Great Britain."

CONTACTS:

Comment: Chair; Major General Mike Keating; e: chair@republic.org.au; ph: 0412 337 137

Comment: Snr Deputy Chair; Prof. John Warhurst; e: John.Warhurst@anu.edu.au; ph: 0439 498 283

Media Liaison: Media Director; David Donovan; e: media@republic.org.au; ph: 0403 237 880