ARM Campaign for Royal Visit

ARM launches a social media only campaign with no presence on the streets or at royal events during the visit. Billed as “The Farewell Tour”, it highlights the King and Queen of Australia’s age and infirmity – especially after the King’s cancer diagnosis earlier in the year – and featured caricatures on black T shirts including of William and George. WfaAR thought this was in rather poor taste especially as there is no means by which to make this the actual “farewell” tour; it wasn’t even a tour but a reduced, highly choreographed and controlled series of visits and inspections (the latter rather patronising in any event). There is no referendum in prospect for years so although ARM might wish, the means are entirely lacking. The campaign gained little traction or attention other than a few media interviews given by the co-chairs, including to international media, before the visit started. Not exactly a hit on the homefront where the campaign needs to resonate.