Julia Gillard, the Prime Minister of Australia, wants her country to be a republic after Queen Elizabeth II dies.
CARL DE SOUZA/AFP/Getty Images
While she does admit that Australians have a deep affection for the Queen, Gillard says it won’t last for long.
“What I would like to see as prime minister is that we work our way through to an agreement on a model for the republic,” she said during an election campaign stop in Queensland
“I think the appropriate time for this nation to move to be a republic is when we see the monarch change.
“Obviously I’m hoping for Queen Elizabeth that she lives a long and happy life, and having watched her mother I think there’s every chance that she will.”
In other words, when Prince Charles becomes King, it is possible Australia – and other Commonwealth states – will get rid of him as their Head of State and become republics, completely breaking away from the United Kingdom.
Australia once held a referendum in 1999, but that failed.
Gillard’s opponent in Saturday’s election is Tony Abbott, an ardent monarchist. He sees no reason to change the status quo.
“I think that our existing constitutional arrangements have worked well in the past and I see no reason whatsoever why they can’t continue to work well in the future,” Abbott told the National Press Club.
“So while there may very well be further episodes of republicanism in this country, I am far from certain that at least in our lifetimes that there’s likely to be any significant change.”
The eldest grandchild of Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip is set to be a father. Peter Philips, the son of Princess Anne, and his wife, Autumn, are expecting their first child together, due in December.
This would make the Queen a great-grandmother and her only daughter, Anne a grandmother!
The couple married at St. George’s Chapel at Windsor Castle in the spring of 2008. They met in Canada, where Autumn was born and raised, at a sporting event.
Before marrying Peter, Autumn converted to the Church of England to insure her husband’s stance in the succession line. According to law, members of the royal family lose a chance at the throne when they marry Catholics.
Peter and his younger sister, Zara, are 11th and 12th in line to the throne. However, neither of them have royal titles. Princess Anne insisted that her children not be given them because she wanted them to have normal lives.
In her first trip to the Big Apple in over 30 years, Britain’s Queen Elizabeth II visited the site of the 9/11 attacks and gave an historic speech at the United Nations. The visit to New York lasted only one day, following a nine day trip to Canada.
AP Photo/Mary Altaffer
In the morning, Her Majesty was at the U.N. headquarters where she was to make her first speech there since 1957 – four years after she was crowned Queen. She mentioned that as she opened her speech.
“Since then, I have travelled widely and met many leaders, ambassadors and statesmen from around the world. I address you today as Queen of sixteen United Nations Member States and as Head of the Commonwealth of 54 countries,” the Queen said.
“I have also witnessed great change, much of it for the better, particularly in science and technology, and in social attitudes. Remarkably, many of these sweeping advances have come about not because of governments, committee resolutions, or central directives – although all these have played a part – but instead because millions of people around the world have wanted them.
“For the United Nations, these subtle yet significant changes in people’s approach to leadership and power might have foreshadowed failure and demise. Instead, the United Nations has grown and prospered by responding and adapting to these shifts. But also, many important things have not changed. The aims and values which inspired the United Nations Charter endure: to promote international peace, security and justice; to relieve and remove the blight of hunger, poverty and disease; and to protect the rights and liberties of every citizen.”
Queen Elizabeth went on to congratulate the U.N. for its development since 1957, pointing out its numerous overseas operations and humanitarian actions.
But she also talked about the struggles in the present day, such as terrorism and climate change.
As she wrapped her speech, the Queen spoke about her hopes for the United Nations’ future.
“When people in fifty-three years from now look back on us, they will doubtless view many of our practices as old-fashioned. But it is my hope that, when judged by future generations, our sincerity, our willingness to take a lead, and our determination to do the right thing, will stand the test of time.
AP Photo/Fred R. Conrad, Pool
“In my lifetime, the United Nations has moved from being a high-minded aspiration to being a real force for common good. That of itself has been a signal achievement. But we are not gathered here to reminisce. In tomorrow’s world, we must all work together as hard as ever if we are truly to be United Nations.”
Afterwards, the Queen met with the Security Council and several U.N. diplomats.
Then, Her Majesty went to Ground Zero to lay a wreath in memory of those who died nearly 9 years ago in the terrorist attacks. She also met with the victims’ families and the rescue workers who responded first to the attacks.
At the end of her day, and in the sweltering New York heat, Queen Elizabeth went to the British Memorial Garden at Hanover Square, dedicated to the 67 British victims of 9/11, to officially open it.
With that, the Queen’s whirlwind visit to New York City was over. She flew back to Britain where she and her husband, Prince Philip, will rest from the Canadian and New York tours.
Some wondered if this would’ve been one of the 84 year-old monarch’s last overseas visits. There have been rumors of her cutting back on her duties. But recently it was revealed the Queen and Prince Philip will go the Middle East for official visits in the fall.
This past Thursday was Canada Day, a time when Canadians celebrate their country’s birth. For its 143rd year, its monarch, British Queen Elizabeth II was on hand to deliver a speech at Ottawa’s Parliament Hill, one that moved even the staunchest of republicans.
John Stillwell-Pool/Getty Images
Dressed in a red dress that blended in with the screen behind her, the Queen gave a short speech right after Prime Minister Stephen Harper spoke.
“Today we celebrate the history of Canada…Thank you for inviting Prince Philip and me to join you all on this special day,” she said, referring to her husband.
“I have watched with you in admiration as Canada has grown and matured while remaining true to its history, its distinctive character, and its values. This nation has dedicated itself to being a caring home for its own, a sanctuary for others, and an example to the world.”
“At home, Canadians have many reasons for optimism, even in trying times. The recent success of the Vancouver Olympics was about more than just the thrill of a gold medal for Canada’s hockey team. As well as renewing a sense of common purpose within this country, the Olympics showed to others something of the extraordinary warmth and enthusiasm of the people as Canada welcomed participants and audiences from around the globe.”
“I wish you all the very happiest Canada Day. God bless you all and God bless Canada.”
During her speech, Queen Elizabeth even spoke in French, Canada’s other official language.
For Canada Day, the Queen and Prince Philip enjoyed entertainment from several acts such as the Barenaked Ladies, Isabelle Boulay and Marjo, and traditional bagpipers. Quebecois singer Isabelle Boulet sang “God Save the Queen.”
Thousands had turned out to see the Queen of both the UK and Canada give her speech. Reports say it was one of the largest turnouts for Canada Day in recent memory. That, despite nearly half of Canadians saying they want to abolish the monarchy and permanently separate from Britain.
But it appears that the 84 year-old figurehead Queen still has the ability to influence people’s minds.
Sources: British Monarchy, British Royal Family Examiner
British monarch Queen Elizabeth II began her nine day visit to Canada Monday. She arrived in the eastern portion of the country, in Halifax, Nova Scotia. This trip is part of the centennial anniversary of the Canadian navy, and it marks her 22nd official tour of the Great White North.
Photo by Chris Jackson-Pool/Getty Images
“It is very good to be home,” Her Majesty told the hundreds of Canadians who withstood the rainy day to welcome her. “As Queen of Canada for nearly six decades, my pride in this country remains undimmed.”
Prime Minister Stephen Harper welcomed the Queen, telling her, “We are honored that you have given so generously of your time.”
A welcoming ceremony included an inspection of the honor guard.
Afterward, the Queen and her husband, Prince Philip, went to a native Canadian – of First Nations as they are called – event. There, she met with Micmac tribal leaders and took a look at a wigwam, or traditional teepee.
Queen Elizabeth will make her way westward during her nine days in Canada. On Thursday, Canada Day, she will make a speech at Parliament in Ottawa. She will also tour a high-tech company in Toronto and a horse race in Winnipeg.
While many Canadians are indifferent to the royal family, many respect the octogenarian Queen – with the exception of most people in Quebec, a place the Queen will be skipping on her tour. Last year when her son and heir, Prince Charles, paid a visit to a province, he was met with rowdy demonstrations protesting the monarchy.
In addition to Canada, Queen Elizabeth will be stopping by New York City on July 6th, where she would visit Ground Zero and make an historic speech at the United Nations.
Saturday saw one of the biggest royal events in Britain this year – Trooping the Colour, the day when the entire British royal family gathers on the balcony of Buckingham Palace to mark Queen Elizabeth II’s 84th birthday.
AP Photo/Sang Tan
Although the Queen’s real birthday is on April 21st, she officially celebrates her big day in June.
Dressed in either military uniform or in lovely hats, the House of Windsor watched 1,400 soldiers parade in front of the Palace. The troops taking part in the parade included members of 1st Battalion Grenadier Guards, who returned from Afghanistan six weeks ago.
After the parade came the fly over – when the military planes fly above Buckingham Palace.
The term Trooping the Colour comes from when a regiment’s flag is paraded past the troops and the monarch.
Prince Harry was not at this year’s event, as he is vacationing in Africa.
Queen Elizabeth II spoke from the throne at the House of Lords Tuesday during the state opening of Parliament. Wearing her crown and regal robes, the Queen gave her speech in regards to Britain’s new but rare coalition government, which formed after this month’s narrow elections.
AP Photo/ Leon Neal/Pool
Among the many things she spoke about were cuts to public spending and changes to the country’s centuries-old political system.
“The first priority is to reduce the deficit and restore economic growth,” the monarch said, reading from a speech drafted by government officials. “Action will be taken to accelerate the reduction of the structural budget deficit. A new Office for Budget Responsibility will provide confidence in the management of the public finances.”
She also confirmed the unpopular 5.1-billion-pound ($7.3 billion) plan for national identity cards will not take place. An initial package of 6 billion pounds ($8.7 billion) in other spending cuts were mentioned.
“Measures will be brought forward to introduce fixed term Parliaments of five years,” the Queen said about political changes. “A Bill will be introduced for a referendum on the Alternative Vote system for the House of Commons (the lower house) and to create fewer and more equal sized constituencies.”
The way things are now, it is the Prime Minister who decides when to hold elections and end parliamentary sessions.
Also in the speech were about the United Kingdom’s new relations with the European Union – “My Government will introduce legislation to ensure that in future this Parliament and the British people have their say on any proposed transfer of powers to the European Union” - and changes to its immigration policy.
“My Government will limit the number of non-European Union economic migrants entering the United Kingdom, and end the detention of children for immigration purposes.”
Queen Elizabeth II exercised her constitutional powers Tuesday when she met with outgoing Prime Minister Gordon Brown at Buckingham Palace. Brown had resigned from his position after his Labour party failed to win the majority in last week’s elections.
AP Photo/John Stillwell, Pool
“I’ve informed the Queen’s private secretary that it is my intention to tender my resignation to the Queen,” Brown said outside 10 Downing Street before he left for the Palace.
“In the event that the Queen accepts, I shall advise her to invite the leader of the opposition to seek to form a government.”
And Her Majesty did. Later in the day, the new Prime Minister, Conservative Party leader, David Cameron, met with Queen Elizabeth where she formally requested that he become the new leader of the United Kingdom and form a new government.
AP Photo/John Stillwell, Pool
It will be the first of many meetings between the Queen and Cameron. His job as Prime Minister is to meet with her on a weekly basis, giving her updates on how the government is being run. Or that should be, her government!
Although she is mainly a ceremonial figure, Queen Elizabeth II might just show her power this time as her country waits to see who will be the new Prime Minister. The May 6th elections left no clear majority winner for either party – which is how a Prime Minister is chosen.
So, the person to turn to in this situation is the head of state, the Queen herself.
What Her Majesty could do is call for new elections or come up with a different plan. The last time she faced this problem was in 1974, when she asked the Labour party to form a minority government. That deal lasted less than year before Britons had another election.
What also could happen is Gordon Brown could have audience with the Queen and request to be Prime Minister again, especially with a hung parliament such as this.
But Queen Elizabeth does not make the decisions alone. She will be surrounded with royal advisers and politicians helping her decide on who should lead her government. And yes, it is her government.
Wednesday April 21st marks Queen Elizabeth II’s 84th birthday, and for her big day, she got quite a present!
AP Photo/Ben Stansall, Pool/FILE
In New Zealand, the MPs through out a referendum that was meant to abolish the monarchy. It was voted down 68 to 53 in its first read. Disgruntled republicans are pointing the finger at the Queen’s grandson, Prince William because his visit to the country likely boosted interest in the royal family.
“We think that’s down to a visit by a certain Prince William in January,” said Lewis Holden, chairman of the nation’s Republican Movement. “That’s why Buckingham Palace sent him out here.”
A poll showed that support for a republic went from 47 percent in 2008 to 37 percent just after William’s visit. At the same time, 51 percent of Kiwis wanted to keep the monarchy.
When broken down by gender, more women then men want to keep the Queen as their head of state.
Despite this defeat, many New Zealanders feel someday they will become a republic. Some say it might happen when Prince William’s father, Prince Charles, becomes King.
“The question many New Zealanders ask is: why should we have a head of state on the other side of the world who is not a citizen of our country?” said Green MP Keith Locke.
“The present Queen has been competent in the performance of her duties and she turns 84 this very day. I wish her a happy birthday.”
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