The subject of Australia becoming a republic rather than having Queen Elizabeth II and her descendants as our head of state is never far from the headlines, it rears its ugly head with monotonous regularity, particularly when a federal election is pending. I make no bones about the fact that I have a passion for all things royal, so why not create our own monarchial system, a model unique to Australia.
A Royal Family could help unify the nation as they would be above politics, as are other modern royal families. Look at the way the crowds flock whenever Queen Elizabeth or any of her immediate family make a public appearance, and what wonderful ambassadors they are for Great Britain when travelling abroad. What of the Danish Royal Family and our own Crown Princess Mary, crowds flock to see her and Crown Prince Frederick at every opportunity……..I know, I am a crackpot! 
Other than the selection of our first monarch the infrastructure is already in place. The monarch could reside in Yarralumla, the current residence of the Governor-General, whose position would become redundant. There are residences in every capital city for our current state Governors, these would become royal residences and the position of Governor would also become redundant.
The Prime Minster does not require two official residences so Kirribilli House could be sold, and when travelling interstate the Prime Minister could stay in one of the previous state Governor “royal” residences.
As for the Civil List or wages for the monarch, wages previously paid to the Governor-General would suffice, and for the Heir Apparent, wages equal to one of the former Governors, so no additional expense, in fact there would be a considerable saving.
What of the extended royal family, only the Heir Apparent and their immediate family would be funded by the Civil List, all other members of the Royal Family, including the siblings of the Heir Apparent, would have to earn their own way, although grace and favour residences in the various royal residences may be provided for the monarch’s children, for which they would contribute a nominal amount. These residences are already fully staffed so no additional expense.
All other grandchildren of the monarch would need to find their own way in the world once they become adults, no civil list and no additional “royal” residences.
As for royal security, the Governor General and the state governors already have security so no additional expense.
I am not talking about instituting a new “Honors” system, we already have one so why change it. No Knight or Dames, no aristocracy. The children of a monarch would be styled Prince or Princess, but not their children, only those of each consecutive Heir Apparent, and their children.
Should an Heir predecease the monarch and have no children, the next in line would become Heir with all the privilege and title that came with it. Naturally their children would also be elevated to Prince or Princess.
What about interstate and overseas travel, yes the federal government would have to meet the bill for that, but it’s not like they would be travelling overseas every week, and accommodation, again a minimal expense.
Royal ceremonies? No coronation just the swearing of an oath, royal weddings would be at the monarch’s own expense, official opening of parliament, come on we do need a little razzle dazzle. What about state banquets for overseas heads of state, we already have them. Crown jewels, back to the razzle dazzle, but nothing over the top.
Day to day travel, all state Governors have official cars and chauffeurs so nothing would change. There, I think I have everything covered, the only thing left is to order my straight jacket and private suite in the penitentiary.
I have had a lot of fun coming up with all this, quite harmless and not too serious. Have a laugh if you like, I have.
Filed under: My view of the world Tagged: Australia, crown jewels, Crown Prince, Governor, Governor-General, Heir, Monarchy, palace, Prince, Prince Frederick, Princess, Princess Mary, Yarralumla
