Prince George of Cambridge celebrated by Australia Post

Australia Post celebrates the birth of the future King of Australia with a stamp.

Australia Post is celebrating the birth of Prince George to the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge with the release of an instant stamp sheetlet.

The stamp features an image of the Royal couple leaving St Mary’s Hospital Paddington with their newly-born son and will be available in a sheetlet of 10 x 60c stamps from participating Australia Post retail outlets from Monday, 29th July 2013.

The Prince was born on 22nd July at 4.24pm BST. The newest member of the Royal Family was introduced to the world the following day on the steps of the hospital, in the arms of his proud parents. The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge have since named their son George Alexander Louis.

“Australia Post is delighted to celebrate the birth of a baby boy to the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, with a sheetlet of stamps that captures the first public appearance of the happy family,” said Australia Post Managing Director and CEO, Ahmed Fahour.

“We expect the instant stamps will be well received as was the Royal Wedding instant stamp sheetlet in 2011. We encourage stamp collectors and followers of special events to put their orders in early to avoid disappointment.”

The birth of a future monarch is always a highly anticipated event and the child of the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, who will be third in line to the throne after Prince Charles and Prince William, was no exception.

The sons of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II – Charles, Andrew and Edward – were born at Buckingham Palace, while Princess Anne was born at Clarence House. Today the preferred birthing facility used by the Royal Family is the Lindo Wing at St Mary’s Hospital in Paddington. The baby’s father Prince William was born there, as was his uncle Prince Harry.

A notice of the birth was attached to an ornate easel in the forecourt of Buckingham Palace, with the media officially informed. There were royal gun salutes across London heralding the new arrival.

The designer of the stamp is Sonia Young of the Australia Post Design Studio. The associated products available are a commemorative cover, stamp pack, maxicard and a booklet of 10 x 60c self-adhesive stamps.

The Royal Baby stamp issue is available from 29th July 2013 at participating Australia Post retail outlets, via mail order on 1800 331 794 and online at www.auspost.com.au/stamps while stocks last.

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Royal baby arrives

Buckingham Palace

Official announcement

Buckingham Palace confirmed Duchess Kate has delivered a healthy baby boy.

Weighing in at 8lbs and 6oz, the Prince of Cambridge came into the world at 4:24pm on Monday 22nd of July.

Clarence House, the seat of The Prince of Wales and The Duchess of Cornwall, confirmed the news via press release which read:

"Her Royal Highness the Duchess of Cambridge was safely delivered of a son at 4:24pm.

"The Duke of Cambridge was present for the birth.

"The Queen, the Duke of Edinburgh, the Prince of Wales, the Duchess of Cornwall, Prince Harry and members of both families have been informed and are delighted with the news."

"Her Royal Highness and her child are both doing well and will remain in hospital overnight."

 The official notice which has been placed on the easel outside the Palace has been signed by Marcus Setchell, the Queen's former gynaecologist who led Duchess Kate's royal medical team.

The new royal baby, the Prince of Cambridge, will be the 43rd sovereign since William the Conqueror if, as expected, he follows reigns by The Prince of Wales then Prince William, Duke of Cambridge.

Australian Governor-General welcomes Royal Birth

The Governor-General, Her Excellency the Honourable Quentin Bryce AC CVO, has warmly welcomed the birth of the Royal Prince:

“On behalf of all Australians, I send heartfelt congratulations to the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge on this joyful occasion.

“The birth of a baby is an experience to celebrate and cherish. We wish the new parents every happiness and send warm greetings of welcome to the little Prince,” the Governor-General said.

Statement from Her Majesty's Australian Prime Minister, The Hon. Kevin Rudd
The Prime Minister today congratulated the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge on the birth of their first child, a son.

On behalf of all Australians, Therese and I extend our warmest regards to the new parents, Prince William, Duke of Cambridge and Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge.

Prince William holds a special place in the hearts of many Australians. Some of us remember his first visit to this country as a 9 month old baby more than 30 years ago with his mother Diana and father Charles.

In more recent times, Prince William demonstrated deep compassion when he met with families in Victoria who had lost everything during the Black Saturday bushfires of February 2009.

We share in the joy of the Royal Family, particularly Prince Charles on the birth of his grandson and Queen Elizabeth II on the birth of her great grandchild.

This is a happy day for our close friends in Britain and the Commonwealth.

Statement from the Leader of Her Majesty's Loyal Australian Opposition, The Hon. Tony Abbott Margie and I join all Australians in extending to the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge congratulations and best wishes on the birth of their son.
This would be the happiest day in their lives and all Australians share their joy.

While there will come a time to contemplate the constitutional duties that await the young Prince, today we simply welcome a baby boy into the world and share the joy of this young family.

I am sure that over the course of his life, the Prince will, like the rest of his family, develop a deep affection for our country, as we already have for him.

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Trooping the Colour - the Queen's official birthday

The Royal Family standing on the balcony after Trooping the Colour.

Yesterday tens of thousands of people lined The Mall and crowded in front of Buckingham Palace to watch the military procession of the yearly celebration of Her Majesty's official birthday, known as Trooping the Colour.

It was the 61st occasion that The Queen, who turned 87 on 21st April, has taken the royal salute.


Prince Harry shared the coach with The Duchess of Cornwall and The Duchess of Cambridge.



The Duke of Edinburgh's place at the Queen’s side was instead taken by her cousin, the Duke of Kent.

The Queen first took part in the Trooping the Colour in 1947 and first took the royal salute in 1951, when she deputised for her sick father, King George VI .

The Queen and The Duke of Kent.

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Shame: Australian prank call DJ given top award

Some people really have no decency:

Royal prank call DJ Michael Christian was declared the joint "winner" of the metro category of the contest that recognises Southern Cross Austereo network's "best in the land".

Christian, who now works at Austereo's Melbourne station Fox FM, claimed regardless of "everything" that had happened he was still at the 'top of his game'.

That "everything" was a prank call to London's King Edward VII Hospital, where Christian and his colleague were put through to the Duchess of Cambridge's ward by nurse Jacintha Saldanha, who took her own life soon after the hoax.

As "Top Jock winner", Christian will fly to Los Angeles for a studio tour. Could the Americans please give him an appropriate welcome?

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"How do you know I'm not a radio station?"

The Prince of Wales was asked by an ITV crew about the news that the Duchess was discharged from the King Edward VII Hospital, having spent three nights there being treated for severe pregnancy sickness. Making a reference to the hoax call to the Duchess's hospital, when an Australian DJ pretended to be him, Prince Charles joked: "How do you know I'm not a radio station? I'm thrilled, marvellous. It's a very nice thought to become a grandfather in my old age, if I can say so." The comment was caught on camera and can be watched:


The Australian radio station that made a prank call to the hospital where the pregnant Duchess of Cambridge was staying had previously caused controversy by forcing a girl to admit she had been raped. (For details see The Daily Telegraph.)

Australia’s media watchdog, the Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) carried out an investigation and found the comments were deeply derogatory and offensive and amounted to a breach of the radio code of practice.

The prank was labelled "childish and embarrassing" by almost two-thirds of Australians in an online poll.

The AML issued a statement concerning the death of nurse Jacintha Saldanha:

The stress caused by the prank calls of 2DayFM presenters Mel Greig and Michael Christian, who telephoned the King Edward VII Hospital posing as the Queen and Prince Charles in an endeavour to actually speak with The Duchess of Cambridge, seems to have resulted in the death, possibly by suicide, of Jacintha Saldanha, the nurse who was obviously terribly upset by the deception played on her. It is now no longer a 'prank' but a tragedy.

The Australian Monarchist League condemns any person whether in the media or otherwise making phone calls falsely pretending to be someone else, whether the person imitated is The Queen or Mrs Bloggs down the road.

League officials had personally encountered these sorts of hoax calls during the republican debate. It seems that radio presenters think that any monarchist or royal is fair game, regardless of the outcome.

We had already written to the Chief of Staff of the 2DayFM Studios requesting that this practice be banned.

Our thoughts and prayers go out to the family of Ms Saldanha and also to The Duchess of Cambridge who must, herself, be so obviously upset at the tragic outcome of this deception.

Philip Benwell

National Chair

Australian Monarchist League

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The world rejoices at news of Royal baby

The news that TRH The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge are expecting a baby was big news throughout the Commonwealth.

Prime Minister Julia Gillard said the news "is going to bring joy to many around the world" and wished the Duchess a swift recovery from the morning sickness that triggered official confirmation of the royal pregnancy.

"Clearly it is a time of joy and it can also be a time of challenge," Ms Gillard told reporters. "I'm sure many will be thinking of Kate when she deals with morning sickness and is in hospital. But from the Australian people to Prince William and Kate, delightful news and our congratulations."

The Leader of Her Majesty's Loyal Australian Opposition, Tony Abbott tweeted: "A royal baby is on the way! Congratulations to the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge."

New Zealand's Prime Minister John Key said the news was "fabulous" for the young couple and would make the Queen of New Zealand and Prince Philip extremely pleased. "It is an important day in any young couple's life when a baby is expected and I know that Catherine and William will be as nervous and excited as anyone," he said in a statement.

"We wish them both the very best and hope Catherine's stay in hospital is a short one. On behalf of the people of New Zealand, I congratulate them both."

Meanwhile Australian republicans found back to their usual hatred and used The Age to call for the return of a mass murderer:

LET the bowing, boot licking and forelock tugging begin. Proud, independent nation - don't make me laugh. Bring back Cromwell.

Richard Morris, Frankston South

On the other hand Murdoch's Melbourne tabloid newspaper Herald Sun admitted:

Republican sentiment in Australia waned after the referendum in 1999 that saw Australians decide to retain the monarchy.

The popularity of the monarchy is likely to continue with Prince William to succeed Prince Charles.

A son or daughter to Prince William and the Duchess of Cambridge will take the monarchy safely towards the end of this century, although not necessarily in Australia.

Australian Monarchists will make sure that the last half sentence will remain Murdoch's wishful thinking.

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The Itinerary of The Prince of Wales and The Duchess of Cornwall in Australia

Service to the community is a key theme for a visit which is part of the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee celebrations.

Service to the community – the central theme of The Queen’s Diamond Jubilee celebrations – will be highlighted by The Prince of Wales and The Duchess of Cornwall as they visit Papua-New Guinea, Australia and New Zealand next month.

During a two week visit to the three countries, to celebrate The Queen’s Diamond Jubilee, The Prince and The Duchess will meet a wide cross section of people who contribute to their community, including villagers restoring coastal mangroves in Boera Village, Papua-New Guinea, National Rugby League stars who help mentor and inspire indigenous children in Australia and veterans and currently serving military personnel on Armistice Day in Auckland, New Zealand.

Australian and New Zealand troops at the ISAF HQ in Kabul with His Royal Highness Prince Charles during a surprise visit by the Prince of Wales to Afghanistan in late March 2010. Prince Charles met with senior ISAF officers as well as British and Commonwealth troops in Kabul before travelling to Helmand in a show of support to the British forces in the southern province.
L-R: SGT Mike Havill (RNZAF), CPL Chris Crooks, CPL Trish Reynolds (RAAF), SGT Wayne Morley, COL John Mackenzie, SQNLDR Tony Peck (not very clear on HRH right shoulder) HRH Prince Charles, The Prince of Wales, WO2 Bruce Hillary, MAJGEN Ash Power, CAPT Sarah Hawke, MAJ Les D'Monte, LTCOL Mike Duncan (NZ Army), MAJ Peter Mortimer (NZ Army).
Further info on the visit can be found; http://www.mod.uk/DefenceInternet/DefenceNews/PeopleInDefence/PrinceCharlesVIsitsTroopsInHelmand.htm

In addition to service to the community, other key themes of the visit are encouragement of economic growth and innovation, promotion of youth enterprise, celebration of sport in the community and on-going support for the Armed Forces. In addition, a number of events reflect Her Royal Highness’s particular interests in literacy, osteoporosis and animal welfare.
Their Royal Highnesses’ programme, which has been drawn up by Government representatives from each of the three countries to be visited, aims to reach out to as wide a cross section of people as possible. The itinerary in each country includes engagements in rural locations – Boera Village (Papua-New Guinea), Longreach and Richmond (Australia) and Feilding (New Zealand) - as well as major cities such as Port Moresby, Melbourne, Adelaide, Hobart, Sydney, Canberra, Auckland, Wellington and Christchurch.

The programme includes extensive opportunities for public participation. In addition to celebratory Jubilee receptions and site-specific visits, such as to schools, youth and sports centres and military bases, Their Royal Highnesses will be taking part in an ecumenical Service of Worship and cultural welcome at the Sir John Guise Stadium in Port Moresby, joining hundreds of local families at a community BBQ in Longreach, Queensland, watching with thousands of others the world-famous Melbourne Cup, attending a special birthday party in Wellington and attending the 150th anniversary Agricultural & Pastoral Show in Canterbury.

In support of the Armed Forces, across all three countries Their Royal Highnesses will lay wreaths during Remembrance ceremonies, inspect Guards of Honour and meet military personnel and their families. In addition, His Royal Highness will present Colours to the Pacific Islands Regiment in Papua New Guinea and Her Royal Highness will inspect the parade and be appointed as the Colonel-In-Chief of the Royal Australian Corps of Military Police, be afforded a Royal Salute and inspect the Royal Guard and Band at Victoria Barracks, Sydney.

The key elements of the tour in Australia are below:

LONGREACH
• A Welcome to Country by Indigenous custodians

• The Prince of Wales, as Patron, officially naming a new aircraft for the Royal Flying Doctor Service at the QANTAS Museum, Longreach;

• visiting the Australian Stockman’s Hall of Fame;

• joining hundreds of families at the Diamond Jubilee Community BBQ in Longreach;


MELBOURNE
• The Prince of Wales meeting tapestry makers demonstrating traditional weaving skills during a visit to the Australian Tapestry Workshop;

• The Prince of Wales viewing cricket skills clinics and meeting young participants in Cricket Victoria’s ‘Harmony’ programme for migrant and Indigenous communities at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG), including players from men's and women's representative teams;

• Attending the Melbourne Cup;

• The Prince of Wales attending the Housing Melbourne Symposium on sustainable urbanism at the National Gallery of Victoria, Melbourne;

• The Duchess of Cornwall attending a reception for Osteoporosis Australia at Government House, Melbourne;


ADELAIDE
• attending a youth performing arts showcase;

• gardening and cooking with the children of the Kilkenny Primary School, Adelaide, together with chef Stephanie Alexander;

• participating in a showcase of South Australia’s Food and Wine Industry at Penfolds Vineyard, Adelaide;

• The Prince of Wales attending an event to promote South Australia’s economic innovation at the Adelaide Convention Centre;

• meeting a wide range of people attending Diamond Jubilee functions in Adelaide, Hobart, Sydney and Canberra;


TASMANIA
• meeting local residents, shopkeepers, volunteers and heritage workers during a walk through Richmond, Tasmania;

• The Duchess of Cornwall attending a reception with Tasmanian Rural Women in Richmond, Tasmania;

• The Prince of Wales seeing sheep shearing and wool classing during a visit to a sheep stud in Sorrell, Tasmania;

• The Prince of Wales seeing demonstrations and displays from a range of Antarctic and Marine Research programmes, Hobart;


SYDNEY
• meeting members of the Australian Defence Force recently returned from active service, and their families, at Garden Island, Sydney, including a Royal Salute and inspection of Royal Guard and Band;

• promoting the Australian Wool industry at the Museum of Contemporary Art Sydney;

• The Prince of Wales highlighting the work of the New South Wales’ lifesavers and other emergency workers and volunteers at a reception at Icebergs Club, Bondi Beach;

• The Prince of Wales joining NRL football stars for a discussion with high school students participating in the National Rugby League’s “Dream Believe Achieve” programme for Indigenous young people at the Bondi Surf Bathers' Lifesaving Club;

• The Duchess of Cornwall accepting Colonel in Chief of the Royal Australian Corps of Military Police, Victoria Barracks Sydney, including Royal Salute and inspection of Royal and Band;

• The Duchess of Cornwall attending a reception for leading women in the community at Government House;


CANBERRA
• Their Royal Highnesses officially naming Queen Elizabeth Terrace, Canberra;

• Official meetings with the Governor-General, Prime Minister and Leader of the Opposition;

• wreath-laying at the Australian War Memorial, Canberra on the eve of Remembrance Day, at the Australian War Memorial, Canberra

The Royal Couple then depart for New Zealand.


A birthday present for The Duchess of Cornwall
The Australian Monarchist League (AML) has proceeded to commission the manufacture of a brooch (consisting of an Australian pearl nestled into a eucalyptus shaped leaf in white gold with the Southern Cross set in Australian gemstones) to be presented to HRH The Duchess of Cornwall by the League to commemorate both her 65th birthday (last July) and her first visit to Australia in just over three week's time.

If you wish to contribute, please use one of the following formats:

Donations can be made via the contribution form on the AML's website - www.monarchist.org.au - click onto 'Contribution' at the bottom.

Or click straight onto: http://www.monarchist.org.au/contribute.html

Or you can pay by credit card and email to: monarchist@bigpond.com

Or mail to: AML, Suite 3303/70 Market Street, Sydney 2000

Or you can always pay via bank transfer to our account:

NAME: Australian Monarchist League

BANK: Commonwealth Bank of Australia

BRANCH: Edgecliff NSW

ACCOUNT NO: 1007 7033 - BSB 062 162

(Don't forget your name)

Those who contribute may also wish to send us a message of not more than 30 words for inclusion in the card which will accompany the gift to Her Royal Highness.

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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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