ABC deems it newsworthy to remind us that Kate and William plus heirs (both of them) in tow are now on their second visit to Canada. Thankfully, we do not get the minute-by-minute coverage of the Queen’s very large extended family that prevails in Britain. But this reminds us that Oz will be next – and not too far off most likely. Royal inspections serve the useful purpose of reminding us of the British family to which we have closely hitched ourselves and show no concrete signs of dumping. Reports like this, straight out of the press releases, are also a reminder of how tightly managed and predictable these visits are – no doubt, as boring for the royals as they are for us. It would be highly desirable to see the ABC turn its journalistic talents to an in-depth examination of our first family: its role in and manipulation of the realms and how its extensive PR machine controls the public presentation of all members of the family and dictates public opinion towards the monarchy. It is, in fact, surprising that more effort isn’t being put into Barbados given its Prime Minister has promised a republic by 30 November…… maybe they are not so bothered about Barbados? Good to see the Duchess of Cambridge referred to as Kate Middleton – well done ABC: much more egalitarian – and that some of the lesser quality women’s mags in the supermarkets (not AWW of course) are starting to pick up on the trite international gossip sites that sensationalise alleged feuds between Camilla and Kate over who will be the next Queen of England.
Woman for an Australian Republic, Adelaide Ironside, republican poet and artist 1831-1867
Self portrait 1855, Newcastle Art Gallery NSW
