In Melbourne: Honouring the Queen of Australia

After the Royal Over-seas League - Victorian Branch held a lunch a week ago in honour of this year's Queen's Birthday holiday, The Australian Monarchist League celebrated the official birthday of the Queen of Australia together with her 60th coronation anniversary on 14th June.


Both speaker, Sophie Mirabella MP, Shadow Minister for Innovation, Industry and Science, and Philip Benwell MBE, AML National Chair, praised Her Majesty's tireless workload, which she continues despite her 87 years. Sophie Mirabella stressed the continuity of the Australian Monarchy by pointing out that during Her Majesty's reign, she had 11 Australian prime ministers - and 17 leaders of the opposition. Ms. Mirabella, who had been an active member of the No campaign for the 1999 referendum on the introduction of a republic in Australia, mentioned in her speech this year's proposed change to the constitution.

For the Election Day, 14th September 2013, the present government - and most members of the opposition -is proposing a referendum to change the Australian Constitution to create a third tier of government with local councils and to empower Canberra to bypass the States and give taxpayer monies direct to this new tier of government. In 1942, the States had income-taxing powers but temporarily loaned them to Canberra to fund the war effort. Those powers were never handed back and Canberra today uses taxpayer money to force the States to do its bidding.

Sophie Mirabella MP during her speech to the members and friends of the Australian Monarchist League in Melbourne.

While the Liberal Opposition in Parliament agreed to proposed referendum and front benchers are bound to this agreement, Liberal back benchers are allowed to campaign against it. Ms. Mirabella, being a member of the shadow cabinet, made it clear that she will not take part in a No campaign, but she herself would vote no, should the referendum actually be held on 14th September. However, she did welcome the Western Australian and Victorian Liberal Councils’ decision to incorporate a NO vote in their How-to-vote cards on 14th September.

The Australian Monarchist League established a referendum campaign to provide information to those concerned about this referendum and stated: “We are not in opposition to any other group that may be opposing this move to centralise more power into Canberra.” Both the local government referendum information website, a Facebook and a Twitter account have been set up.

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Today a republican - gone tomorrow

Yesterday the Australian federal Treasurer Wayne Swan stated his republican creed:

"The time may not indeed be right for an immediate referendum, but it is my belief that it is always the right time to argue for the merits of a republic and prepare the ground for future constitutional change. The road to an Australian republic is a long one, without a timetable, and so the journey must continue.

"The case for a republic is as simple as it is compelling, and one that I have been making since my maiden parliamentary speech in 1993."

Funny that he referred to his maiden speech, since yesterday's press conference might be the preface of his swan song, his last political statement. Today he is faced with a disastrous opinion poll "Swan likely to lose seat amid Queensland Labor despair" (The Age, 4th June 2013):

"Deputy Prime Minister Wayne Swan looks set to lose his Brisbane seat of Lilley for a second time, with internal polling suggesting Labor will struggle to retain any Queensland seats north of the Brisbane River at the September 14 federal election.
"The results are so dire for Labor that a ''worst case'' scenario suggests Kevin Rudd could become Labor's ''last man standing'' in Queensland, with the former prime minister the only Queensland MP who is seen as likely to retain his seat.

"The Queensland polling, taken in recent weeks in Mr Swan's electorate, is believed to show that his primary vote has collapsed to just 28 per cent, compared to 41 per cent at the last election.

"Mr Swan has held the seat since 1998, although at the last election his margin narrowed from 8 per cent to 3.2 per cent, with a 10 percentage point fall in his primary vote."

Let's hope for the best that could happen. Wayne Swan will lose his seat in September and have a lot of time afterwards to become a full time republican propagandist. Or should we say "itinerant preacher"? Even The Age's editorial admitted today: "The increasing likelihood is that a federal Coalition government led by Tony Abbott, an ardent monarchist, would consign a republic to the political deep freeze for at least a few more years. "

No need to feel sorry - neither for Mr. Swan nor for The Age. This letter to the editor says it all:

According to internal polling, Wayne Swan is about to receive a well-deserved and long overdue ''efficiency dividend'' from his electorate (4/6). Can't wait.
Lucien Zalcman, North Fitzroy

Seen at Federation Square in Melbourne.

It goes without saying, that The Age, like the ABC, has totally ignored The Queen's Diamond Coronation Jubilee. All they could publish was a re-print from The Sunday Telegraph last Wednesday, 29th May: Working overtime. No wonder, The Age no longer uses the PR sloag: "If it matters to you, it's in The Age." Such an obvious lie wouldn't work anymore.

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The Queen's 60th Coronation anniversary

The 1953 Coronation provided the Queen with a formal initiation rite and an investiture with her official regalia.

Australia's magnifiscent Queen's Birthday stamp 2013

Queen Elizabeth was the 39th sovereign to be crowned at Westminster Abbey; the first was William the Conqueror, whose coronation took place on Christmas Day, 1066.

The 27-year-old Queen swore her oath and was anointed (concealed under a canopy) on her hands, her breast and her head with holy oil of orange flowers, roses, cinnamon, jasmine and sesame with benzoin, musk, civet and ambergris, in imitation of the anointing of the kings of ancient Israel. She put on the Armills (bracelets), the Robe Royal and the Stole Royal. She held the orb and sceptre. Then the crown was placed upon her head.

Everyone shouted “God Save Queen Elizabeth. Long Live Queen Elizabeth. May the Queen live for ever.”

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Australia Post releases Diamond Jubilee Coronation stamps

Australia Post is celebrating the 60th anniversary of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II’s coronation with the release of one domestic base-rate (60c) stamp and one international-rate ($2.60) stamp.

"Australia Post is delighted to recognise the Diamond Jubilee of Her Majesty's coronation with the release of this stamp issue," said Australia Post Philatelic Manager, Michael Zsolt. "We're pleased that this special stamp issue will be a great memento of this wonderful event for collectors and the public."

The coronation of Queen Elizabeth II took place on 2nd June 1953 over twelve months after her accession. The Queen rode from Buckingham Palace to Westminster Abbey in the ornate Gold State Coach.

Prime Ministers and leading citizens of the Commonwealth countries, representatives of foreign states, hundreds of thousands of Britons and over 200,000 tourists from other countries arrived in London for the coronation. (Actually there were approximately three million spectators lining the procession and more than twenty million viewers around the world watched the coverage on television.)

During the coronation ceremony, Queen Elizabeth swore the coronation oath, undertaking to rule according to law, to exercise justice with mercy and to maintain the Church of England. She was then anointed, blessed and consecrated and crowned by the archbishop before trumpets sounded, the Abbey bells pealed, and guns at the Tower of London saluted.

The large-sized 60-cent stamp features the Gold State Coach which has been used for every coronation since that of King George IV in 1821. The photograph is by Tim Graham from Getty Images.

The $2.60 stamp features a photographic portrait of the newly-crowned monarch in 1953 and is a detail from a full formal portrait of the Queen and Prince Philip. The photograph was taken in Buckingham Palace by renowned photographer Cecil Beaton and is featured on the miniature sheet. The image comes from the Victoria and Albert Museum in London.

A special pack is available which features an embellished sheetlet of 10 x 60c double-definitive stamps housed in an attractive folder.

Other associated products include a first day cover, stamp pack, maxicard set of two, sheetlet of five x $2.60 self-adhesive stamps and a stamp and medallion cover.

The stamps and associated products were designed by Jo Mure of the Australia Post Design Studio. Jo's previous stamp issues include the Royal Wedding (2011) and the Queen's Diamond Jubilee (2012).

The Diamond Jubilee Coronation stamp issue is available from 9th April 2013 at participating Australia Post retail outlets, via mail order on 1800 331 794 and online at auspost.com.au/stamps while stocks last.

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Prince Charles left Australia with "great sadness"

The Prince of Wales and The Duchess of Cornwall’s visit to Australia for The Queen’s Diamond Jubilee has come to an end in Canberra on 10th November 2012.

Their Royal Highnesses have experienced everything from an Aussie barbie with outback cattlemen to the excitement of the Melbourne Cup during their six-day trip to the nation.

The royal couple ended their Diamond Jubilee visit in the capital Canberra where they renamed a section of road close to the striking Parliament House - Queen Elizabeth Terrace.

Prime Minister Julia Gillard welcomed The Prince and Duchess when they arrived at the thoroughfare which was lined with crowds and she paid tribute to The Queen's devotion to duty:

Your Royal Highnesses, I bid you a special welcome to our country and our capital.

To The Prince of Wales, you are a familiar visitor to these shores.

In you, the people of Australia know they have a true and sympathetic friend.

To The Duchess of Cornwall, I hope you have discovered the warmth of the Australian character and a land you will always feel welcome.

Since landing at Longreach on Monday, these have been days to explore and revisit the facets of our landscape and culture:

From the Outback, to the vineyards of South Australia, and the race that stops nation.

Now, we gather here in this capital to reflect on the bonds of history and affinity which made Australia the nation it is today.

The Father of Federation, Sir Henry Parkes, called it the “crimson thread of kinship” and the associations are all around us.

Not far from here is found the writing table Queen Victoria used to sign into law the Constitution that led to the creation of this capital.

Up on Capital Hill meets the Federal Parliament first inaugurated by King George V as Duke of Cornwall and York in 1901.

A quarter of a century later, another Duke of York came to open these old Parliament buildings – a shy prince who came to show the ‘heart and stomach of a king’.

Like Your Royal Highness, he too was accompanied by a gracious Duchess. Your beloved grandmother.

It is a story also inscribed in the streets and parks of this beautiful zone where, one by one, the East-West terraces have been named in recognition of our monarchs since Federation: Queen Victoria Terrace, King Edward Terrace, King George Terrace.

Today, the symmetry is made complete with the naming of Queen Elizabeth Terrace.

At the same time, the green space in front of Old Parliament House and two roads either side will stand in honour of Sir Henry Parkes reflecting the mix of ancient tradition and contemporary democracy that underpin our constitutional order.

This place will be a lasting tribute to Her Majesty The Queen on the occasion of her Diamond Jubilee inscribed forever in the architecture of this capital.

It will remind future generations that for more than half of our journey as a united nation, Elizabeth the Second has been our monarch.

No-one in the history of our Federation has shared more consistently in the affairs of our Commonwealth or followed them with deeper interest and goodwill.

As Canberra prepares for its centenary, it is fitting that The Queen’s life of duty is given recognition here in our nation’s heart and her wisdom and dignity are honoured among the people she has so faithfully served.

I thank Your Royal Highnesses for sharing this commemoration with us.

And I know you will convey to Her Majesty the sentiments we share in naming this place today.

No Head of State could be more worthy of this honour, and no nation could more freely or gratefully bestow it.

The royal couple went on a brief walkabout in the newly-named terrace, meeting people who had been waiting patiently.

Sisters-in-law Crystal and Leanne Tunningley, 33, were ecstatic after meeting The Duchess. Crystal, 28, from Canberra, said: "Camilla was saying she loved being in Canberra and it was so sad that she had to go."

Later The Prince and Duchess held a private meeting with the Queen's representative in Australia, Governor General Quentin Bryce and her husband Michael.

The Prince then held a series of talks in the imposing Government House, first with Ms Gillard, and then the leader of the opposition Tony Abbott, who said "it was a real thrill" to meet the prince.

In the grounds of the historic building a Diamond Jubilee buffet lunch, among the guests were leading politicians, including former prime minister John Howard, broadcasters, business leaders, sports personalities and arts figures. Mrs Bryce said after her accession to the throne in 1952, The Queen showed remarkable qualities.

She said: "In the six decades since across times of extraordinary and constant change a symbol steadfast - dignity, strength, a source of courage and inspiration to so many people."

In a short speech The Prince praised the volunteering efforts of many Australians - something that reflected the theme of the Diamond Jubilee, service to others.

The Prince, who confessed they would leave Australia with "great sadness", said: "These are the people of course who provide a glue to such a, I think, diverse and energetic and determined society.

"And from that point of view it has been a real joy for my wife and I to help celebrate that wonderful aspect of society in Australia.

"To pay a tribute, for what it's worth, to all these marvellous people, and to just thank them for all they do to make Australia such a very special place."

Before leaving for New Zealand, the final leg of the Diamond Jubilee tour, the royal couple paid their respects to Australia's war dead at the nation's war memorial on the eve of Remembrance Sunday.

More than 100,000 men and women have died serving the Commonwealth country since the First World War and The Prince placed a floral tribute at the monument to recognise their ultimate sacrifice.

The Australian War Memorial in Canberra is an imposing sandstone-clad Byzantine style building with a copper-covered dome.

The royal couple walked into the Hall of Memories where the remains of a First World War serviceman are interred. At each corner of the Tomb of the Unknown Australian Soldier stood a member of a ceremonial unit from the Australian Defence Force.

Above Their Royal Highnesses’ heads was an ornate dome and they were surrounded by lavishly decorated mosaic walls featuring more than six million coloured glass tiles in a design created by Australian artist Napier Waller. The Prince laid a large wreath on the tomb before the Last Post was sounded by a bugler and a minute's silence was observed.

In the memorial's open air commemorative area were written the names of Australia's fallen and the royal couple walked past the long lists stopping at the names of those who died on operations in Afghanistan. Before leaving the royals went on a brief walkabout to meet the crowds outside the memorial.

Even the Fairfax media acknowledged: Capital embrace a hit as royals leave their mark on the city.

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HRH Camilla Duchess of Cornwall's visit to Victoria Barracks, Sydney

As part of their 2012 Australian tour, Their Royal Highnesses the Prince of Wales, Prince Charles and Camilla Duchess of Cornwall visited Australian Defence Force bases in Sydney, NSW, on Friday 9th November.


During her visit to Victoria Barracks, Her Royal Highness, Camilla Duchess of Cornwall was appointed as Colonel-in-Chief of the Royal Australian Corps of Military Police, the first Colonel-in-Chief of the Royal Australian Corps of the Military Police in almost a century. The Royal Australian Corps of Military Police is a key element of the Australian Army; and Victoria Barracks is the home of Army's Forces Command.

Her Royal Highness took the royal salute and inspected the Royal Guard and the Australian Army Band.

The Duchess of Cornwall makes a speech to the Royal Australian Corps of the Military Police
Published on 9th November 2012

Officers, Men, women of the Royal Australian Corps of the Military Police, It gives me enormous pleasure to address you today as your new and very proud Colonel-in-Chief.

This is a very exciting time for me not only because of the great honour you have done me but also because it is my first trip to Australia and I deeply regret having left it so late.

There has always been an association between members of the Royal Family and the Australian Army, including the appointment of Colonels-In-Chief to a number of Corps over the years.

Her Majesty The Queen is Colonel-In-Chief of the Royal Military Police, with whom you have close professional ties and shared lineage. And so I was very keen to know who my predecessor was.

I think you can imagine my delight and pride when I learned that in the prestigious 96 year history since your formation I have no predecessor and that I am, therefore and self-evidently, your first Colonel-in-Chief.

I want you to know the pleasure that gives me and that I am also very well aware of the significance and honour that comes with this very special appointment.

I am delighted to see that you are all wearing your rather dashing scarlet berets and wondered if the Colonel-in-Chief might possibly get to wear one, too?

For almost a century, the Royal Australian Corps of Military Police has earned an esteemed position in both the Australian Army and the wider community. In both war and in peace, you have provided outstanding service to the Nation. This is a record to be cherished. You are a regiment who provides a unique and often difficult role, not only overseas on dangerous operational duties to Afghanistan, Iraq, East Timor and elsewhere, but also at home where your constant professionalism is required on a daily basis, policing the Australian Army and wider Defence Force.

It seems to me you are never off duty - rather like my husband. But it is your families who provide you with peace of mind while you are away on long training exercises or overseas deployments. They provide the bedrock of support without which you cannot do such remarkable work. I do hope that I get to meet a number of you and, of course, your families today and over the coming years whenever I’m in Australia, which I hope will be often.

Please remember how much my association with you all, as Colonel-in-Chief, means to me and what interest and concern I have for you all. Your duty to serve as members of the Royal Australian Corps of Military Police will always be ‘For the Troops and With the Troops’. I know you will have heard that many times before but I dare to say that is the first time you will have heard it from your Colonel-in-Chief.

Thank you.

Her Royal Highness Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall, reviews the Military Police Royal Guard whilst on parade at Victoria Barracks, Sydney.

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Meet the Royal Couple in Canberra

SATURDAY 10th NOVEMBER 2012

CANBERRA

11.40 am THR will arrive at the Queen Elizabeth Terrace, Parkes where they will unveil a plaque naming Queen Elizabeth Terrace

1.55 pm TRHs will attend a Diamond Jubilee Buffet Lunch, given by the Governor-General

3.45 pm TRHs will arrive at the Australian War Memorial

HisRH will lay a wreath on the Tomb of the Unknown Australian Soldier


Following which TRHs will leave for New Zealand

by RNZAF B757 Aircraft

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Meet the Royal Couple in Sydney

FRIDAY 9th NOVEMBER 2012

SYDNEY

10.00 am TRHs will leave by Admiral's Barge for Garden Island where HisRH will inspect the Federation Guard and Royal Australian Navy Band

11.40 am HisRH will arrive at the Museum of Contemporary Art where he will attend a Campaign for Wool event

11.40 am HerRH will arrive at the Victoria Barracks and will be escorted to Victoria Barracks Parade Ground. HerRH will be appointed as the Colonel-In-Chief Royal Australian Corps of Military Police

12.55 pm HisRH will arrive at the Bondi Icebergs, Bondi where he will attend a Reception given by the Premier of New South Wales to meet NSW Emergency Services Personnel

1.25 pm HerRH will arrive at Government House Sydney where she will attend a Women of the World Reception

2.00 pm HisRH will arrive at the Bondi Bathers' Lifesaving Club, Bondi

6.00 pm TRHs will arrive at the Sydney Opera House by Admiral’s Barge where they will attend a Diamond Jubilee Reception given by the Governor of New South Wales.

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Second day in Melbourne for Prince Charles and Duchess Camilla

The Victorian College of the Arts Secondary School in Southbank, Melbourne. The young drummers started a noisy welcome beat for the royal couple.

HRH The Prince of Wales and HRH The Duchess of Cornwall arrived in a car with the Australian coat of arms and a no. 1 on the number plate. Nothing could have been more appropriate for the future King and Queen of Australia.

After spending about an hour inside the school building the royal couple came across the street to greet the small, but enthusiastic crowd of spectators. HRH Camilla, The Duchess of Cornwall, charmed the Melburnians with her natural friendliness. She took time to chat with a couple of the crowd.

And then she was introduced to Bert, the French bulldog, who had already met HRH Prince Charles on the previous day at the Australian Tapestry Workshop.

Bert not only attracted the attention of the royal couple, but the media people were beside themselves when Their Royal Highnesses took delight in meeting Bert.

Thanks to Neville's quick writing this blog can give a firsthand account of Bert's encounter with the Duchess of Cornwall:

"After the success of meeting the Prince of Wales yesterday, I was not getting my hopes up for an equally fortunate day today. I was also very tired this morning (Bert was so exhausted from yesterday that he snored loud enough to wake the dead for most of the night). But after a quick breakfast we were ready to head back into town. We got on the train, which was packed with people on their way to work. Bert sat quietly at my feet; he's an old hand at train travel. We got to the National Gallery of Victoria just before 9:00 am with plenty of time to spare. The Premier's press release said the Duchess was accompanying the Prince to his engagement at the National Gallery, even though she was due to host a reception at Government House for Osteoporosis Australia. A member of Victoria Police confirmed that the Duchess was not accompanying the Prince. Nearby a member of the royal party heard my question and came over and told me that the Duchess was not going to join the Prince on his next engagement either; a visit to the Victoria College of the Arts Secondary School. I told her that I was a bit frustrated at the lack of information about the royal couple's itinerary. She agreed and said she did not know why things were so disorganised.

"As we had nearly an hour to fill in, I took Bert for a walk through the nearby gardens. We started at the Alexandra Gardens, cut through the Queen Victoria Gardens and ended up in King's Domain. On the way we passed the very impressive statues of King Edward VII and King George V. We even met another French Bulldog. His name was Gary and he could have been Bert's twin. At the gates of Government House I could see the Prince of Wales standard flying at the gate. Over Government House itself, however, the Governor of Victoria's standard was flying (well, it was actually hanging very limply in the listless breeze, but that does not sound very impressive). The Prince of Wales may be the future King of Australia, but the Governor of Victoria still outranks him when it comes who gets the main flagpole. Soon we were back at the National Gallery of Victoria. I remembered other royal visitors I had seen here over the years. In 1987 there was Queen Margrethe II, Prince Henrik and Prince Joachim of Denmark. Then in 2005 Crown Princess Victoria paid a visit (I wanted to say "welcome to the National Gallery of Victoria, Victoria, Victoria", but settled instead on a simple "welcome to Melbourne Your Royal Highness.")

"A small crowd had assembled, including a group of members of the British Parachute Regiment who now live in Australia. The Prince is their Colonel-In-Chief and he asked to see them. Also, a large group a school children was hijacked from their visit to the gallery to join the waiting crowd. Promptly at 10:00am the Prince of Wales arrived. Bert and I stood up the back to enjoy the atmosphere and watch him interact with the crowd, and, after remembering my phone, I even took a couple of photos. The Prince went into the gallery and the crowd began to disperse. I happened to walk past the member of the royal party I had spoken to earlier. She told me it was definite that the Duchess of Cornwall was not going to join the Prince at the school. I was very disappointed by this, but given their poor track record with accurate information, I decided to still go to the school and see what happened. I am very pleased that I did.

On the way to meeting a Duchess: Bert and his owner

"It took about ten minutes to walk to the school, and when we arrived there were only about ten people waiting, including our very own Radical Royalist (whose itinerary information was spot on). A very friendly Acting Sergeant came over to see what we were up to. I asked him if the Duchess was coming to the school with the Prince, "which Duchess?" he asked with a grin. "Yes", he confirmed, the Duchess was expected with the Prince. He then told us that "Royal Protocol" dictated that we could not take photos or talk to the royal couple. I think my somewhat incredulous expression surprised him, so he went off to confirm this odd regulation. He was back very quickly and told us to ignore what he had just said. Outside the school there was a troupe of drummers ready to beat a welcome to the royal couple, the media was all lined up, and about a dozen or so people, mainly from nearby offices, waited for the big moment. In a flash they arrived. The Duchess of Cornwall was most definitely in the car so I relaxed and got ready to enjoy the arrival. But, no; an Australian Federal Police (AFP) officer decided then to ask about Bert (calling him Killer). By the time we finished chatting the Prince and Duchess were inside the school. Never mind, I thought, there was still a chance of meeting them as they left.

"The Prince and Duchess spent about an hour in the school, but soon enough signs of activity indicated that they were about to depart. We were allowed to move out onto road and get closer to the car (by now the crowd had swelled to about twenty people). The Duchess came out first and headed straight for the car. For a brief disappointing second it seemed they were going to make a hasty departure for the airport (their next stop was Adelaide). But a few people in the crowd started yelling CAMILLA and, after a moment's hesitation, the Duchess headed over to say hello, followed close behind by the Prince. The media began to press in and I was again worried that the Duchess would not make it down to where Bert and I were waiting. So I picked up Bert, who seemed a bit surprised, and hoped for the best. Another AFP officer told me to stand back, but seemed content for Bert to be held up. Almost immediately the Duchess spotted Bert and came over to see him. She said hello to me, and shook my hand. I said "Hello, Your Royal Highness", but it was Bert who had her attention. "This is Bert" I told her. "Hello Bertie" she said as told her his name is Bert, and the Duchess patted him on the head and said "hello Bertie". She then told me that she used to have a Boston Terrier, and then went back to tickle Bert under his chin. I explained to her that Bert had met the Prince yesterday, but he really wanted to meet her. She seemed pleased and started to move on. At this point Bert started to get fidgety (he does not like be held) and with a quick twist he wormed himself free and dropped to the ground with a thud: right at the feet of the Prince of Wales (completely unhurt; he may be 15 kilos but he bounces like a ball). The Prince looked surprised and said "what was that?", he then glanced up and saw me. "Just us again", I told him, "Bert wanted to come and see the Duchess". He laughed a little and moved on. I don't think the Prince is, at heart, as much of a dog person as the Duchess obviously is. The royal couple got into their car, and with a final wave from both the Prince and Duchess, they departed for the airport.

The media loved the story of a Monarchist dog meeting the Duchess of Cornwall. Neville was quizzed by The Age's Tony Wright (right).

"Then the real madness broke out. Bert and I were swamped by reporters and photographers, all wanting to know his name and breed. There was a TV interview (which, thankfully, did not make it to the evening news) and a press interview (which did make it online). I was a bit worried that all the attention might go to his head, but Bert coped well. Finally, after our very busy morning, we were able to head for home. Bert has been sound asleep for several hours now, snoring deeply. He was dreaming about ten minutes ago, no doubt about his royal encounters, and his new-best-friend-forever, HRH The Duchess of Cornwall."

Tony Wright's article in The Age agreed, that "the Prince of Wales and the Duchess of Cornwall devoted their visit to Melbourne on Wednesday to matters that consume their hearts - and while doing it, won the heart of a little dog.

The Duchess, who said she had watched her mother die in agony from osteoporosis - a disease that causes bones to become brittle and easily fracture - attended a reception at Government House intended to raise awareness of the disease.

It was, she said, the first thing she was determined to do when she knew she was coming to Australia.

The Prince, for decades a proponent of sustainable design for housing and community, took himself off to the Housing Melbourne Symposium at the National Gallery of Victoria to applaud Melbourne's architecture, the preservation of its tram system and the creation of new urban areas for community enjoyment. 'You have done a tremendous job in preserving the past and creating well-loved and well-used urban spaces in the present day,' he said. 'Unlike most cities around the world, Melbourne kept its tram system and improved it and is now considered a global leader.'

... members of the public stood in the street, but when the duchess - who owns Boston terriers - spied a French bulldog, she stooped to pat it. The dog's name, according to owner Neville Condron, a Coburg resident enthused by all things royal, was Bert.

'''Bertie,' cooed the duchess, possibly recalling Prince Charles's grandfather, and the re-named Bertie reciprocated by licking her hand.

'''Yes, Camilla was quite taken with Bert and Bert was quite taken with her,' said Mr Condron. Indeed, 'Bertie' had met Prince Charles during a function in South Melbourne only the day before, and the prince, giving the mutt a pat, had opined that 'one of these days, I'll get my hand taken off'.

'''Bert's more likely to lick your hand off,' Mr Condron said."

This is, what the Herald Sun had to say about this morning:

Camilla makes a good impression

"The duchess has been warmly welcomed at official events and has happily chatted with the small crowds that have turned out to greet her since arriving in Australia on Monday.

"'Camilla just seems so relaxed, people are warming to her and I think it's been long enough for memories to fade a little bit and I think she's off to a really good start.

"'I think Australians would like her sense of humour and enjoy the way she dresses. She's very relaxed with the crowd.

"'I think she's great and they look so happy together. It's a good thing.'

"Mr Condron took his French bulldog, Bert, to meet the royal couple, and the duchess was especially taken.

"'The duchess said she used to keep Boston terriers, which are a similar looking dog, not as cute as French bulldogs though, and she was just very taken with him and gave him a good pat and called him Bertie,' he said.

"'He was enjoying himself. He'll sleep well tonight.'"

Pia Akerman had this to write in The Australian

Trams and puppies the royal highlights

"Melbourne has won a place in Prince Charles' heart for its trams and architecture, but it's the canine residents which have brought a smile to Camilla's face.


"The Duchess of Cornwall meanwhile - known for her love of animals - has been keen to meet some of the dogs of Melbourne which had travelled with their owners for a glimpse of the royal couple.

"Outside a youth arts performance this morning, Camilla made a beeline for Bert the French bulldog, proudly held aloft by his owner Neville Condron.

"'I said, 'Don't worry, Bert would lick your hand off,"' Mr Condron said. 'She was very taken with him, and he was very taken with her.'
"The duchess told Mr Condron she had bred Boston terriers, similar to the French bulldog."

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Meet the Royal Couple in Tasmania

THURSDAY 8th NOVEMBER 2012


HOBART

12.10 pm TRHs will arrive at Richmond and will walk along Bridge Street

to the Woodcraft Shop

They will then proceed to Richmond Arms Hotel and will then walk along Edward Street to St Luke’s Anglican Church where they will plant a tree

1.05 pm HerRH will arrive at the Mill House where she will attends Reception with Tasmanian Rural Women

1.20 pm HisRH will arrive at the Leenavale Sheep Stud, Sorell where he will attends a luncheon in conjunction with the Campaign for Wool

2.40 pm HisRH will arrive and board the Aurora Australis (TBC)

3.50 pm TRHs will arrive at Salamanca Place, Hobart where they will walk along Salamanca Place visiting shops to Princess Wharf 1

4.05 pm THRs will attend a Diamond Jubilee Reception.

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Meet the Royal Couple in Adelaide

WEDNESDAY 7th NOVEMBER 2012


ADELAIDE

1.20 pm TRHs are scheduled to arrive in Adelaide where they will proceed to the Kilkenny Primary School

2.45 pm THRs will arrive at Penfolds Winery

3.40 pm Arrive at Adelaide Convention Centre

5.00 pm TRHs will attend Diamond Jubilee Reception

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Meet the Royal Couple in Victoria

TUESDAY 6th NOVEMBER 2012

MELBOURNE

10.40 am HisRH arrives at the Australian Tapestry Workshop (an opportunity to join the Radical Royalist there to welcome Prince Charles in Victoria)

11.20 am HisRH arrives at Melbourne Cricket Ground

1.30 pm TRHs arrive at Gate 32 at Flemington Racecourse and drive down the straight to the Clocktower and mounting yard

3.15 pm HerRH will present the Melbourne Cup Trophy to winning owners

4.05 pm HisRH will present the Diamond Jubilee Plate to winning owners

HerRH will present the Diamond Jubilee Plate to the winning trainer

Stay at Government House, Melbourne overnight


WEDNESDAY 7th NOVEMBER 2012

10.00 am HerRH will attend a reception hosted by Mrs Elizabeth Chernov for Osteoporosis Australia at the Private Drawing Room of Government House

10.05 am HisRH will arrive at the National Gallery of Victoria

11.05 am TRHs will arrive at Victorian College of the Arts Secondary School

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Meet the Royal Couple in Queensland

MONDAY 5th NOVEMBER 2012

LONGREACH

4.00 pm Their Royal Highnesses The Prince of Wales and The Duchess of Cornwall arrive at Longreach Airport

4.15 pm THRs attend a Royal Flying Doctor Service (RFDS) event venue: QANTAS Museum Hangar

4.55 pm TRHs arrive at the Australian Stockman’s Hall of Fame and view artefacts and displays and meet families with historical connections to the region

5.10 pm TRHs leave by foot for Cattlemen’s Bar and Grill where they attend a Diamond Jubilee Community BBQ Venue: The Cattlemen’s Bar and Grill

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Duke and Duchess of Cambridge in Brisbane

The Duchess of Cambridge set foot on Australian soil for the first time today, to the delight of around 200 locals and travellers who waited in viewing areas at Brisbane Airport to see her.

Her Royal Highness walked down the steps of the plane at 11.45am local time, where she and Prince William the Duke of Cambridge were met by consular officials who had placed a small square of red carpet on the tarmac. The Duchess spent less than three hours on Australian soil during her first visit to the country, but it was still time enough for her to win over its people.

Wearing a powder pink floral dress designed by Dannii Minogue, the Australian singer, the Duchess caused excitement at Brisbane airport as she walked through a public departure lounge waving and smiling. Around 200 local people and travellers gathered on viewing platforms, alongside five television crews and a dozen newspaper photographers.

The future King of Australia and his wife came from their last official duty stop in Tuvalu at  the end of a nine-day tour marking the Queen's Diamond Jubilee which also took them to Singapore, Malaysia and the Solomon Islands.

In Tuvalu they were treated to a traditional Tuvalu feast of pigs, lobster, coconut crabs and local fresh fruit. They also wore the traditional "titi saga" or skirt as they danced with locals in the remote tropical nation, one of the world's smallest countries which is situated near the equator.


In 2008 Tuvalu had shown loyalty to the Crown by refusing a proposal to introduce a republic. In a referendum 64.98% of the voters cast their ballot paper in favour of retaining Queen Elizabeth II, Queen of Tuvalu, as their Monarch.

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THE ROYAL VISIT TO AUSTRALIA

THEIR ROYAL HIGHNESSES THE PRINCE OF WALES AND THE DUCHESS OF CORNWALL TO VISIT AUSTRALIA

Tuesday, 18th September 2012

Their Royal Highnesses The Prince of Wales and The Duchess of Cornwall will visit Australia for six days from Monday 5th to Saturday to 16th November 2012, as Her Majesty The Queen’s personal representatives in the Diamond Jubilee year.

The tour will start in Papua New Guinea from 3rd to 5th November. From Australia Prince Charles and Duchess Camilla will move on to New Zealand for the last part of the tour from November 10 to 16, attending events and celebrations in Auckland, Wellington and Christchurch as well as making a brief stop in Manawatu. Prince Charles will celebrate his 64th birthday on 14th November in Wellington.


It is expected that the Royal couple will visit Longreach, Melbourne, Adelaide, Hobart, Sydney and Canberra.

Details of the program, and locations where the public will be able to see the Royal couple, will be made publically available closer to the visit.

The last visit to Australia by The Prince of Wales was in 2005 when he visited Perth, Alice Springs, Melbourne, Sydney and Canberra. This will be the first visit to Australia by The Duchess of Cornwall.

The Royal couple's visit to Melbourne coincides with the Melbourne Cup on 6th November and it is expected that they will attend to yearly Melburnian highlight.

Clarence House said Prince Charles will renew old friendships and form new ties during the trip. He last visited Papua New Guinea in 1984, and Australia and New Zealand in 2005.

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The Prince of Wales and the Duchess of Cornwall will soon be in Australia

The previous Victorian government had predicted the presence of Queen Elizabeth II, Queen of Australia, at the Melbourne Cup: On 2nd February 2010 Victorian Racing Minister Rob Hulls, told the public that the Queen had been invited to attend Australia's premier horse race.

"I know that the Queen is a great racing fan, and I honestly don't know whether or not she has any plans to come here," he told reporters. It was “up to her” if she wanted to attend the 150th Melbourne Cup he stumbled into the TV cameras.

As it turned out, the Queen did not visit Melbourne in 2010, but one year later. However, the Melbourne Cup is on the mind of our Royal Family and in 2012 The Prince of Wales and The Duchess of Cornwall are expected to be in Australia in early November. Their Royal Highnesses have been deputised to represent The Queen and that their visit will be a continuation of the Diamond Jubilee celebrations in Australia.

This week, The Age published the news Charles and Camilla tipped for Melbourne Cup. “Prince Charles and his wife, Camilla, may outshine all the other celebrities at this year's Melbourne Cup, if speculation is correct that their Australian visit will include a day at the races.”

It would be Prince Charles' second time at the Melbour-ne Cup, after his trip to Fleming-ton with Princess Diana in 1985. If the royal couple do grace Flemington on Tuesday, 6th November, they will certainly be the highest profile guests at the spring racing carnival. So far the sponsors have yet to announce their international celebrity guests but it was already announced that actress Mischa Barton will be a Cup guest. Mischa who?, you may ask. The Royal guests would draw world-wide attention to Australia’s most important race.

The Melbourne Cup has been Australia's major Thoroughbred horse race since it was started in 1861. It is marketed as "the race that stops a nation" and held on the first Tuesday in November, which is a public holiday in Victoria.

The 2012 Melbourne Cup Field will be announced on the Saturday before the race, 3rd November 2012.

The Melbourne Cup 2012 field of 24 horses will feature some of the best staying horses from around the world. 2011 Melbourne Cup winner Dunaden is already in the running to defend their title in the Melbourne Cup 2012.

For the latest information see 2012 Melbourne Cup Field.

On the first visit of a reigning Australian Monarch the Queen and Prince Philip attended the Melbourne Cup in 1954.

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Celebrating the Diamond Jubilee in the Jubilee Time Capsule

The Jubilee Time Capsule is a way for people to share their memories of the last 60 years and help create a unique gift for The Queen this Diamond Jubilee year.

It is online time capsule that will chart the 60 years of Her Majesty’s reign from the people’s perspective and will be gifted to The Queen following the Diamond Jubilee weekend.

Invited are people from across the globe to select one of the 22,000+ days in the time capsule and share their story of that day; be it a memory of a family wedding in Australia last year, or memories of Ghana’s Independence Day in 1957 as a Dominion with the Queen as head of state.

Taking part is easy: simply visit www.jubileetimecapsule.org, sign up, pick your date and tell your story. Use photos, videos, words, songs, poems ... whatever you want - it's up to you - it's your story!

This is a Commonwealth capsule, so stories must be about life in a Commonwealth country, or events that have impacted the Commonwealth.

The Jubilee Time Capsule is organised by the Royal Commonwealth Society. About The Royal Commonwealth Society.

The Royal Commonwealth Society (RCS) is an education charity with a wide portfolio of projects which seek to engage young people in global affairs and develop their skills through a number of different schemes.

For over a century, the RCS has communicated with schools, universities and young people to engage them in issues and to develop their skills in leadership, writing, film making, photography, advocacy, public speaking, political literacy, communication and volunteering. The vision of the RCS is to promote international understanding through our membership, educational programmes, events and publications, thereby helping to raise the profile and value of the modern Commonwealth.

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Diamond Jubilee song biggest selling single of 2012

Gary Barlow and the Commonwealth Band have taken the top spot in the UK charts this week, with 'Sing.' The track was written and recorded for the Queen's Diamond Jubilee and was accompanied by a BBC documentary showing Barlow travelling the continents on the hunt for musicians to perform on the track.
 
'Sing' sold 142,000 following the concert on 3rd June 2012 and claims this week's No.1 single spot, with Gary Barlow also claiming a No.1 album with his commemorative record of the same name. All proceeds of the album go to the charities endorsed by the Queen for her Diamond Jubilee.
 
At a special meeting at Windsor Castle Andrew Lloyd Webber (r.) and Gary Barlow officially presented Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II with a special anthem they have jointly composed in honour of her Diamond Jubilee.
 

 
 

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Stupid, stupid, stupid - Penny Wong and the Royal Anthem

When the Australian beacon for the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee was lit, Her Majesty’s Australian Prime Minister Julia Gillard stood side by side with the Leader of Her Majesty’s Australian Opposition Tony Abbott. While the latter sang God Save the Queen, the PM’s lips were sealed. That caused some kerfuffle in Australia. Asked by journalists, why he thought the PM did not join in singing, Tony Abbott joked that the Labor Prime Minister might not know the lyrics. “May be she sang the Internationale during her youth ...”

Australian Finance Minister Penny Wong defended her Labor leader by making clear, that she (Ms Wong) knew the lyrics of the Australian National Anthem Advance Australia fair, but not those of a foreign anthem.

It is deplorable that a woman in her position does not know that God Save the Queen is not only the British National Anthem, but also Australia’s Royal Anthem.

The website of the Australian Government, Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade explains:

[In] April 1984 that the Governor-General issued a proclamation that ‘God Save the Queen’ was designated the Royal Anthem, to be played at public engagements in Australia attended by the members of the Royal family. ‘Advance Australia Fair’ was finally declared to be the Australian national anthem.

Usually ‘God Save the Queen’ is played at the start of Royal functions and ‘Advance Australia Fair’ at the end, unless it is more appropriate to play both anthems at the start. ‘Advance Australia Fair’ is played at all other official functions.

Could the Australian Foreign Minister please enlighten the Australian Finance Minister about the role of the Australian anthems?

In case you would like to tell her, send her an emai: Penny.Wong.MP@aph.gov.au

It is very common to have  case to have a national and a royal, even presidential anthem. Here's a list of these countries.

The best-known example is Norway.

The Norwegian Nation Anthem



Royal Anthem of Norway - Gud Sign Vår Konge God

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Message of His Holiness Pope Benedict XVI

To Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II

On the Occasion of the Diamond Jubilee of Her Reign

To Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II

I write to offer my warmest congratulations to Your Majesty on the happy occasion of the Diamond Jubilee of your reign. During the past sixty years you have offered to your subjects and to the whole world an inspiring example of dedication to duty and a commitment to maintaining the principles of freedom, justice and democracy, in keeping with a noble vision of the role of a Christian monarch.

I retain warm memories of the gracious welcome accorded to me by Your Majesty at Holyroodhouse in Edinburgh at the beginning of my Apostolic Visit to the United Kingdom in September 2010, and I renew my thanks for the hospitality that I received throughout those four days. Your personal commitment to cooperation and mutual respect between the followers of different religious traditions has contributed in no small measure to improving ecumenical and interreligious relations throughout your realms.

Commending Your Majesty and all the Royal Family to the protection of Almighty God, I renew my heartfelt good wishes on this joyful occasion and I assure you of my prayers for your continuing health and prosperity.

From the Vatican, 23 May 2012

BENEDICTUS PP. XVI


MESSAGGIO DEL SANTO PADRE BENDEDETTO XVI

A SUA MAESTÀ ELISABETTA II, REGINA DEL REGNO UNITO,

IN OCCASIONE DEL GIUBILEO DI DIAMANTE DEL SUO REGNO

A Sua Maestà
la Regina Elisabetta II

Scrivo per formularle, Maestà, le mie più cordiali congratulazioni nella lieta occasione del giubileo di diamante del suo regno. Negli ultimi sessant’anni lei ha offerto ai suoi sudditi e al mondo intero un esempio ispirante di dedizione al dovere e d’impegno a sostenere i principi di libertà, giustizia e democrazia, conformemente a una nobile visione del ruolo di un monarca cristiano.

Conservo cordiali ricordi della cortese accoglienza che lei, Maestà, mi ha riservato a Holyroodhouse a Edimburgo, all’inizio della mia visita Apostolica nel Regno Unito nel settembre 2010, e rinnovo i miei ringraziamenti per l’ospitalità che ho ricevuto in tutti e quattro quei giorni. Il suo impegno personale a favore della cooperazione e del mutuo rispetto tra i seguaci delle diverse tradizioni religiose ha contribuito in non poca misura a migliorare le relazioni ecumeniche e interreligiose nei suoi regni.

Affidando Sua Maestà e l’intera Famiglia Reale alla protezione di Dio Onnipotente, rinnovo i miei cordiali buoni auspici in questa gioiosa occasione e l’assicuro delle mie preghiere per la sua buona salute e prosperità.

Dal Vaticano, 23 maggio 2012

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