Republicans moaning about monarchy are out of touch

Dr Sean Palmer is chairman of Monarchy New Zealand. He has a Masters and a PhD on the importance of the monarchy to New Zealand. In an article published in The New Zealand Herald on the joyful occasion of the arrival of the Prince of Cambridge, he denouned "a few spoilsports who take every opportunity to complain.

"Their childish diatribes generally follow a pattern as predictable as it is boring. They demonstrate how much New Zealand's monarchy has evolved in the last 60-70 years and how little republicans have changed.

"Our monarchy is especially remarkable because it is shared among 16 independent countries. Republicans decry this arrangement as strange and backward. But, in a shrinking world where globalisation and international co-operation are vital, sharing our head of state is something to be proud of. The insular and selfish values espoused by republicans are at odds with the modern world. Ironically, it is republicans with their inward-looking view who would be more comfortable in the 1950s than our own 87-year-old Queen who is much-admired in the fast-moving modern age.

"In the 20th century, republicans accused those who supported the monarchy of suffering from 'colonial cringe', a belief that New Zealand was inferior to Britain. In the 21st century however, the absurdity of these claims is clear for all to see. It is republicans who are unhappy, who feel New Zealand is somehow inferior and immature. They couldn't be more wrong. Kiwis have a lot to be proud of and the new royal baby is just one more reason to celebrate."

Royal baby arrives

Buckingham Palace

Official announcement

Buckingham Palace confirmed Duchess Kate has delivered a healthy baby boy.

Weighing in at 8lbs and 6oz, the Prince of Cambridge came into the world at 4:24pm on Monday 22nd of July.

Clarence House, the seat of The Prince of Wales and The Duchess of Cornwall, confirmed the news via press release which read:

"Her Royal Highness the Duchess of Cambridge was safely delivered of a son at 4:24pm.

"The Duke of Cambridge was present for the birth.

"The Queen, the Duke of Edinburgh, the Prince of Wales, the Duchess of Cornwall, Prince Harry and members of both families have been informed and are delighted with the news."

"Her Royal Highness and her child are both doing well and will remain in hospital overnight."

 The official notice which has been placed on the easel outside the Palace has been signed by Marcus Setchell, the Queen's former gynaecologist who led Duchess Kate's royal medical team.

The new royal baby, the Prince of Cambridge, will be the 43rd sovereign since William the Conqueror if, as expected, he follows reigns by The Prince of Wales then Prince William, Duke of Cambridge.

Australian Governor-General welcomes Royal Birth

The Governor-General, Her Excellency the Honourable Quentin Bryce AC CVO, has warmly welcomed the birth of the Royal Prince:

“On behalf of all Australians, I send heartfelt congratulations to the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge on this joyful occasion.

“The birth of a baby is an experience to celebrate and cherish. We wish the new parents every happiness and send warm greetings of welcome to the little Prince,” the Governor-General said.

Statement from Her Majesty's Australian Prime Minister, The Hon. Kevin Rudd
The Prime Minister today congratulated the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge on the birth of their first child, a son.

On behalf of all Australians, Therese and I extend our warmest regards to the new parents, Prince William, Duke of Cambridge and Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge.

Prince William holds a special place in the hearts of many Australians. Some of us remember his first visit to this country as a 9 month old baby more than 30 years ago with his mother Diana and father Charles.

In more recent times, Prince William demonstrated deep compassion when he met with families in Victoria who had lost everything during the Black Saturday bushfires of February 2009.

We share in the joy of the Royal Family, particularly Prince Charles on the birth of his grandson and Queen Elizabeth II on the birth of her great grandchild.

This is a happy day for our close friends in Britain and the Commonwealth.

Statement from the Leader of Her Majesty's Loyal Australian Opposition, The Hon. Tony Abbott Margie and I join all Australians in extending to the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge congratulations and best wishes on the birth of their son.
This would be the happiest day in their lives and all Australians share their joy.

While there will come a time to contemplate the constitutional duties that await the young Prince, today we simply welcome a baby boy into the world and share the joy of this young family.

I am sure that over the course of his life, the Prince will, like the rest of his family, develop a deep affection for our country, as we already have for him.