"It is Prince Charles's duty to go to Australia"

"The country has been hit by disaster. This is the moment for a visit that could stop the slide towards republicanism" writes Matthew Parris in The Times.

"Fast-track the protocol and security; ignore advice that you would get in the way; brush off the Sir Humphreys who recommend you wait until the immediate emergency is over. If the diary's already full, clear it.

"Never mind the Governor-General: only a stand-in anyway. If you're overwhelmed by official obstruction, threaten a private visit. Buy your own ticket if you must. But go. Just go. Today. Tomorrow. Monday. If your insistence raises eyebrows, causes a rumpus, even a stink, so much the better. That's the point."