Queen Dropped from Victoria’s legal system
In a bid to place Australia closer to a Republican future, references to Her Majesty have been removed from the state of Victoria’s legal system.
This latest push for the removal of the monarchy is not an isolated incident. Victoria has also scrapped the title ‘Queen’s Counsel’ (QC) and ended the practice of new lawyers swearing an oath of allegiance to the Queen.
Rob Hulls, the state’s attorney-general and acting Labo(u)r premier, said: “Having cases presented in the name of the Queen of England is an outdated colonial tradition that has really passed its use-by date. Substituting the director of public prosecutions for the Queen or Regina reflects the legal and political independence from the United Kingdom and its monarch that has been achieved by Australia.”
Hulls denied that the timing was intended as a snub to Prince William, due to make a visit at the end of January.
David Donovan, of the Australian Republican Movement, was more than a little annoyed with the royal system getting in the way of football loyalty.
“We would find it unbelievable that Prince William, who hasn’t been to Australia since he was in nappies – and who as president of the England Football Association has strongly promoted its bid for the 2018 World Cup, in direct opposition to Australia’s bid – would be able to speak to Australians on our own national day.”
The monarchists in this southernmost state are defending the system of monarchy at full-steam, however.
“The people in 1999 took a decision in which they affirmed that we should remain a federal commonwealth under the crown,” said Professor David Flint of Australians for a Constitutional Monarchy. “It’s completely wrong for governments to remove all reference to the crown as a gradual sort of thing.”
Philip Benwell, chairman of the Australian Monarchist League, defended the invitation to the Prince.
“Prince William will be King of Australia in the future and it’s therefore appropriate that he’s invited to speak,” he said.
London Palace Falling Down, Falling Down…
The State rooms in Buckingham Palace have not been redecorated since the Coronation in 1953. The roof is leaking into the picture galleries, endangering Rembrandts and other priceless artworks.
Now, it’s no longer just a matter of looks; the conditions are downright dangerous at Buck House.
Bits of masonry have been seen falling from the exterior of the palace. A chunk recently fell to the ground close to an officer who was on guard. Even Princess Anne was almost beaned by a piece a couple of years ago.
The Queen’s London residence is not the only royal property in trouble. The Royal Mausoleum at Frogmore, near Windsor Castle, which houses the tomb of Queen Victoria, has been designated by English Heritage as “at risk” after part of the ceiling fell in. Windsor Castle itself requires at least £20 million to be spent on new roofs and updated heating systems.
Let’s hope for a lot of royal ticket sales in 2010 for these historical sites. Of course at this rate, you’ll have to view them from a safe distance.
Check back next week for the latest news from the Royal Family! Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!
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Anglotopia was founded by Jonathan and Jackie Thomas for people who love Britain - whether it's British TV, Culture, History or Travel - we cover it all. Anglotopia was started to get us back to the UK for a trip and it did that in 2009. Now, the goal is for Anglotopia to make our dreams of traveling to the UK whenever we want a reality.
Please note that the Victorian Attorney-General’s act was done in secrecy, announced a fortnight before it will come into force and before the Christmas holidays will stop all political action. Honi soit qui mal y pense, one could say with the motto of The Most Noble Order of the Garter (“Shame on him who thinks ill of it”).
A fellow Monarchist wrote in a forum: “Mr Hulls’ justification suggests a poor understanding of the Australian and Victorian constitutions, the Australia Acts of 1986, and the role of the Australian Crown. Or perhaps it is just a blatant attempt to cover up a personal republican agenda? Either way it does not inspire much confidence in the State’s Attorney-General.â€