Commonwealth Day 2017

Today we in Victoria celebrate Labor Day, but all over Australia and beyond our shores fifty-two countries come together today to celebrate Commonwealth Day under the theme ‘A Peace-building Commonwealth’.

Commonwealth Day, held on the second Monday in March each year, is an opportunity for individuals, communities and organisations to promote the Commonwealth’s shared values of peace, democracy and equality, and to celebrate the association’s rich diversity.

Her Majesty's representative in Queensland, H.E. The Honourable Governor Paul de Jersey AC, published this message on his website:

This Commonwealth Day, a baton will set out from Buckingham Palace and begin a long and extraordinary journey. Over the next twelve months, the Baton will visit people living in the nations and territories of our Commonwealth family in every continent and ocean.

Carried on its way by thousands of people of all ages and backgrounds, by the time it reaches its final destination, The Queen’s Baton will have brought together through its route and symbolism, almost 2.5 billion people who share the special connection of being Commonwealth citizens.

Contained within the Baton will be a written message that will be opened and read at the Commonwealth Games in Australia next year. However, there is an even more powerful message to be seen and experienced as the Baton passes from hand to hand, from
seashore to mountaintop, through cities, towns, and villages. It is the message of a peace-building Commonwealth.

The cornerstones on which peace is founded are, quite simply, respect and understanding for one another. Working together, we build peace by defending the dignity of every individual and community.

By upholding justice and the rule of law, and by striving for societies that are fair and offer opportunities for all, we overcome division and find reconciliation, so that the benefits of progress and prosperity may be multiplied and shared.

As members of the Commonwealth family we can find much to be thankful for in the inheritances we have received from those who came before us. Through consensus and cooperation great things have been achieved.

We can find further reward and fulfilment by continuing to collaborate with others in a spirit of goodwill to build a peaceful and abundant future for all Commonwealth citizens.

Commonwealth Day Message by Her Majesty the Queen, Head of the Commonwealth

This Commonwealth Day, a baton will set out from Buckingham Palace and begin a long and extraordinary journey. Over the next twelve months, the Baton will visit people living in the nations and territories of our Commonwealth family in every continent and ocean.

Carried on its way by thousands of people of all ages and backgrounds, by the time it reaches its final destination, The Queen’s Baton will have brought together through its route and symbolism, almost 2.5 billion people who share the special connection of being Commonwealth citizens.

Contained within the Baton will be a written message that will be opened and read at the Commonwealth Games in Australia next year. However, there is an even more powerful message to be seen and experienced as the Baton passes from hand to hand, from seashore to mountaintop, through cities, towns, and villages. It is the message of a peace-building Commonwealth.

The cornerstones on which peace is founded are, quite simply, respect and understanding for one another. Working together, we build peace by defending the dignity of every individual and community.

By upholding justice and the rule of law, and by striving for societies that are fair and offer opportunities for all, we overcome division and find reconciliation, so that the benefits of progress and prosperity may be multiplied and shared.

As members of the Commonwealth family we can find much to be thankful for in the inheritances we have received from those who came before us. Through consensus and cooperation great things have been achieved.

We can find further reward and fulfilment by continuing to collaborate with others in a spirit of goodwill to build a peaceful and abundant future for all Commonwealth citizens.

Event calendar

Fly a Flag for the Commonwealth Monday, 13 March 2017, all day This year over 1,000 individual flag-flying ceremonies are predicted to take place on Commonwealth Day. More information

Commonwealth Day Commemoration at the Memorial Gates Monday, 13 March 2017, 10:40 GMT A service of remembrance and the laying of wreaths at the Memorial Gates on Constitution Hill in London.

Launch of The Queens Baton Relay Monday, 13 March 2017, 11:30 GMT The Queen’s Baton Relay (QBR) has been a traditional curtain raiser to the Commonwealth Games since the Cardiff 1958 British Empire and Commonwealth Games. More information

The Commonwealth Service: A Celebration of the Commonwealth Monday, 13 March 2017, 15:00 GMT The Service is the biggest multi-faith celebration in the United Kingdom and takes the form of an hour-long service at Westminster Abbey, London, featuring a mixture of testimonies, readings, hymns and musical performances. The Service is by invitation only. More information

Commonwealth Day Reception Monday, 13 March 2017, 18:00 GMT The Commonwealth Secretary-General hosts a reception attended by representatives of the 52 member countries of the Commonwealth at the Commonwealth Secretariat's headquarters, Marlborough House in London. The evening will commemorate the Commonwealth Theme of 'A Peace-building Commonwealth'. The Reception is by invitation only.

High Commissioners' Banquet Tuesday, 14 March 2017, 18:30 GMT Hosted at Guildhall, London, attendees at the dinner will include High Commissioners from the 52 Commonwealth nations, senior figures from the Commonwealth family, and key individuals from the worlds of politics, civil society, business and sport. The Banquet is by invitation only.

Annual Commonwealth Gala Performance and Presentation by the Commonwealth Youth Orchestra & Choirs at Marlborough House Tuesday, 14 March 2016, 18:30 GMT   The Commonwealth Youth Orchestra and Choir brings together communities across the Commonwealth through music, transcending cultural, political, social and economic boundaries.

Commonwealth Youth Awards Wednesday 15 March 2017, 11:00 - 13:00 GMT The awards recognise outstanding young people under the age of 30 from Commonwealth countries whose work has significantly contributed to local, national, regional and global development. Over 300 nominations were received this year. More information

Australia's Queen's Birthday stamps 2016

The Queen’s Birthday 2016 stamp issue were released today, 5th April 2016. They stamps celebrate the 90th birthday of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II on 21st April.

The Queen’s public 90th birthday celebrations will take place during May and June 2016. In Australia (except Western Australia) this year Queen's Birthday public holiday will be celebrated on 13th June. The festivities will reflect Her Majesty’s interests, which include a great love of horses and a significant involvement with the armed forces. Events include four evenings of music, song and dance, coinciding with the annual Windsor Horse show, and many of the performers will represent Commonwealth countries.

Both the stamps and the postmark for the The Queen’s Birthday 2016 stamp issue have been designed with birthday celebrations in mind. The postmark alludes to the birthday festivities, through the inclusion of horses as well as graphic elements that symbolise to the pomp and ceremony of the impending birthday celebrations.

In the domestic base rate stamp ($1), Her Majesty is pictured attending a garden party for the Not Forgotten Association (NFA), which is held annually to honour the contribution of the armed forces. 2016 marks 95 years since the first official NFA party was hosted by the Queen’s grandmother, Queen Mary. This theme ties into the Queen’s association with the armed forces. It is said that on the day of the NFA party, the Queen greeted every guest, so the stamp also symbolises the Queen’s renowned work ethic. Most importantly, the Queen is pictured looking happy and relaxed.

At the NFA garden party, Her Majesty wore the Australian Golden Wattle diamond brooch, which was presented as a gift from the people and government of Australia during the Queen’s inaugural tour of Australia in 1954 – the first ever tour by a reigning British monarch. The brooch is said to be one of the Queen’s personal favourites.

The international stamp features a close‐up photograph of the brooch, which comprises 150 white and yellow diamonds arranged to resemble a spray of Golden Wattle, Australia’s national floral emblem, together with mimosa leaves and tea‐tree blossoms. The brooch was designed by jeweller Paul Schneller and commissioned by William Drummond & Co. The brooch was on public display during 2015, as part of an exhibition at the Powerhouse Museum in Sydney. The photograph has been used with specific permission from both Her Majesty and the Royal Collection Trust.

Introduction of the annual Queen’s Birthday stamp
Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II is the most featured person on Australian stamps. The Queen was depicted on lower denomination definitive stamps issued between 1953 and 1971 and on all base rate definitive stamps until 1973. This was a significant shift, as the reigning monarch had been featured on these stamps for 60 years, save for the controversial and short‐lived replacement of monarch stamps with Kangaroo and Map definitive stamps issued in 1913. However, unlike in 1913, the change had more to do with developments in printing capabilities than it did with making any kind of political statement.

That said, while commemorative stamps have long been issued to mark royal occasions, such as the Coronation of Queen Elizabeth II 1953 and the Royal Visit in 1954, following the abolition of queen’s head definitive stamps, only two royal‐themed commemorative stamps were produced between 1973 and 1979.

In an attempt to satisfy those members of the public who wished to see more royalty on stamps, Australia Post became the only postal authority in the Commonwealth to release an annual Queen’s Birthday stamp. The Australia Post Queen’s Birthday stamp has been produced every year since 1980, although in 2002, 2003 and 2004, stamps were issued to commemorate the golden jubilee of the Queen’s accession, coronation and first Australian royal tour respectively, and in 2012 to commemorate the Queen’s diamond jubilee year.

Gaining royal approval
The process of gaining approval from Her Majesty is a long one, which means that this must be factored in to the production process. Once designs are approved internally, they are sent to the Palace, via the Department of Prime Minister and Cabinet. The Queen’s Birthday stamps can only go to print once official written permission has been received from the Palace, stating that Her Majesty has approved the design.

The Queen’s Birthday 2016 stamp issue is available from 5th April 2016 online, at participating Post Offices and via mail order on 1800 331 794 while stocks last.

Commonwealth Day Message by Her Majesty the Queen, Head of the Commonwealth

Wherever we live in the Commonwealth, we can always benefit from being open to the ideas and encouragement of those around us. Each of us can also make a positive difference in the lives of others by being willing to contribute and offer support.

This is an essential ingredient of belonging to the Commonwealth: the willingness to share, to exchange and to act for the common good. By including others, drawing on collective insights, knowledge and resources, and thinking and working together, we lay the foundations of a harmonious and progressive society. The greater the diversity of those included in such a shared enterprise, the greater the gains. Each of us has cause to celebrate the sense of belonging expressed in our 2016 theme: 'An Inclusive Commonwealth'.

Our recognition of this value, and the wisdom of mutual respect for each other, is set out in the Commonwealth Charter. Its opening words, “We the people of the Commonwealth” convey the conviction that individuals, as well as governments, build and shape our success.

Being inclusive and accepting diversity goes far deeper than accepting differences at face value and being tolerant. True celebration of the dignity of each person, and the value of their uniqueness and contribution, involves reaching out, recognising and embracing their individual identity.

At the recent Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting, there were forums for women, youth, business and civil society. These forums were a place for reflection on how to contribute collectively to achieving positive global change, for which the Commonwealth is widely respected.

Today, and in the year ahead, the theme 'An Inclusive Commonwealth' is an inspiration for us all. Let us give it practical effect by supporting those in need and those who feel excluded in all walks of life. By doing so, we will continue to build a truly representative Commonwealth community.

The Commonwealth Service 2016

The Commonwealth Service: A Celebration of the Commonwealth takes place at Westminster Abbey on Monday 14th March in the presence of Her Majesty The Queen, Head of the Commonwealth, accompanied by His Royal Highness The Duke of Edinburgh, Their Royal Highnesses, The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, Prince Harry and The Duke of York.

The service will be broadcast live for the first time on BBC One from 14.45 – 16.15 hrs, streamed live on www.bbc.co.uk relayed live on the BBC World Service.
For those outside the UK it will be on www.bbc.com/news.

The service from Westminster Abbey in London can be watched until 13th April here and a pdf-file of the order of the service can bedownloaded here.

The Commonwealth Service in Queensland

This Commonwealth Day the Governor of Queensland attended the Commonwealth Day Multi Faith Observance at the Chung Tian Temple hosted by the Royal Commonwealth Society of Queensland (RCSQ) and read the Commonwealth Day message from Her Majesty The Queen.

Next Monday is Commonwealth Day

Celebrating Commonwealth Day 2016

Fifty-three countries will come together to celebrate Commonwealth Day 2016 on 14th March under the theme ‘An Inclusive Commonwealth’. Among the many activities and events taking place globally, a multi-faith service at Westminster Abbey will welcome thousands of guests from around the world. BBC One will broadcast it live from 14.45 to 16.15 under the motto: The Queen's 90th Birthday: A Service of Celebration for Commonwealth Day.

Commonwealth Day is held on the second Monday in March every year. It is an opportunity for individuals, communities and organisations to promote shared Commonwealth values of peace, democracy and equality, and to celebrate the association’s rich diversity. It coincides in Victoria with Labour Day (Western Australia had it one week earlier and Tasmania will celebrate Labour Day one week later).

With a population of more than two billion, the Commonwealth encompasses the fastest growing countries, the smallest, the least developed and the most populous. The strength of the association is derived from shared historical ties, extensive global networks and a spirit of co-operation to tackle global challenges and improve lives.

Monarchists in Melbourne
In Melbourne The Australian Monarchist League invites members and friends to attend a dinner at Victoria Barracks on Saturday, 19th March. Enquiries to: eharper@monarchist.org.au

Royal Condolences

Queen Elizabeth II :

“Prince Philip and I have been deeply shocked and saddened by the terrible loss of life in Paris. We send our most sincere condolences to you, the families of those who have died and the French people.”


King Philippe I of the Belgians :


“Shocked by attacks in Paris, Belgium is in solidarity with French people. Courage to the people directly affected by these heinous acts.”

King Willem-Alexander of the Netherlands

“I am deeply shocked by the attacks last night in Paris. The Netherlands feels connected closely with France. We mourn with the people of France to the victims. With the French people, we remain steadfastly defend freedom against those who try to undermine her with terror. The values of freedom and solidarity, we never price. Our thoughts are with all those who now have intense grief at the loss of their loved ones and all the victims of these cowardly attacks.”

Queen Margrethe II of Denmark

King Harald V of Norway

King Carl XVI Gustaf of Sweden

King Felipe VI. of Spain

Mr President,

In these moments of pain, want to send all the closeness, solidarity and support on behalf of the Government and the Spanish people as well as to express firm condemnation against terrorist barbarity and the cruel and inhuman injustice of those who undermine the principles and fundamental values underpinning our coexistence and our democracies.

Next to the Queen, I want to also express my heartfelt condolences to the families of the deceased and our desire for a speedy recovery of the injured. The Spaniards are today more than ever, next to the French in the determination, commitment and unity which allows to overcome challenges of terrorist violence.


Prince Albert II. of Monaco :

“Mr President.

The attacks that come from strike Paris at the heart, numb us.

My country shares the sorrow and the terror of the friendly France, bruised by these terrorist crimes.

With respect and a huge emotion, we bow before the memory of so many victims and the indescribable pain of their families.

Our thoughts are also all persons injured in their flesh by these wild acts.

On my own behalf, on behalf of my family and the people of Monaco, I want to assure you of our deep and real solidarity, in union with all those who are mobilizing against the scourge of terrorism.

Alongside of the French Republic, we know that it will not prevail.

Please accept, Mr. President of the French Republic, the assurance of my highest consideration.”


Grand Duke Henri of Luxembourg :

“Mr. President,

It is with horror and consternation that not have seen images of the attacks in Paris.

The Grand Duchess and I assure you together with the people of Luxembourg to share our great compassion for the victims and their families.

We express our total solidarity in misfortune that hits the France.”


King Mohammed VI of Morocco :


“Mr. President,

I offer my most saddened condolences to you, to the innocent victims’ families and to the entire French people as well as my earnest wishes of prompt recovery to the wounded.

I would like to condemn in the strongest terms on behalf of the Moroccan people and in my own name these vile terrorist acts and express our full solidarity and support in this ordeal.”







The political French party that supports a return of the Monarchy in France Alliance Royale issued a statement:

Les attentats du 13 novembre: communiqué du délégué général
La vraie force viendra de notre courage à défendre ce que nous sommes en s’adossant à ce qui nous reste de meilleur: notre héritage. Car notre pire ennemi est notre reniement.

Shah Reza II of Iran

The Queen of Australia meets her Governor of Victoria

The Australian tour of Their Royal Highnesses The Prince of Wales and The Duchess of Cornwall is a huge success. Today thousands of Sydneysiders waited to get a glimps or even a handshake of Prince Charles or Duchess Camilla.

Huge crowds waited in Sydney in Martin Place

Royal crowd pullers in Sydney

Meanwhile Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, Queen of Australia, received her new Governor of Victoria.

The Honourable Linda Dessau AM, the Governor of Victoria, and her husband Judge Anthony Howard, had an audience with their sovereign at Buckingham Palace.

Eminent jurist and AFL commissioner Linda Dessau became Victoria's 29th Governor on 1st July 2015. She succeeded Alex Chernov, whose tenure ended at the end of June after four years and three months. Before she swore the Oath of Allegiance Ms Dessau she was a firm believer in having an independent head of state so governments could focus on their job. Having the role of a constitutional safeguard in an independent position was also critical she said.

HM The Queen receives the Honourable Linda Dessau AM, the Governor of Victoria, and her husband Judge Anthony Howard, during an audience, at Buckingham Palace on 10th November.

Prince Charles and Priness Anne newly appointed Commodores-in-Chief of the Royal Canadian Navy

The Honourable Jason Kenney, Minister of National Defence, today announced that His Royal Highness The Prince of Wales and Her Royal Highness The Princess Royal (Princess Anne) have been appointed as Commodores-in-Chief of the Royal Canadian Navy (RCN) by Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, Queen of Canada. This is the first time in history that members of the Royal Family have been appointed as Commodores-in-Chief of the RCN. The announcement of the appointments coincides with the RCN’s commemoration of the 70th anniversary of the end of the Battle of the Atlantic, one of the longest, largest and most complex campaigns of the Second World War.

The appointments will see The Prince of Wales becoming Commodore-in-Chief (Fleet Atlantic) and The Princess Royal becoming Commodore-in-Chief (Fleet Pacific).

The duties associated with the appointments are ceremonial in nature. A Commodore-in-Chief is kept informed of all important activities of their affiliated unit and may engage with the unit in a ceremonial capacity as opportunity allows.

Quick Facts
Commodore-in-Chief is an honorary appointment whose purpose is to maintain a direct link between the unit and the Royal Family. It is bestowed by The Queen on various members of the Royal Family.

The Queen has appointed various members of the Royal Family as Commodores-in-Chief of the British Royal Navy since August 2006.

On 9th April 2007 a monument was re-dedicated to remember the bitter Battle of Vimy Ridge in which more than 3,500 Canadian soldiers died. The Queen of Canada and her Canadian Prime Minister Stephen Harper were present. Prince Philip wore the uniform of the Air Commodores-in-Chief of the Royal Canadian Air Force.

Within the ranks of the Canadian Armed Forces, army regiments have members of the Royal Family serve as Colonels-in-Chief. The Royal Canadian Air Force also has The Queen and His Royal Highness The Duke of Edinburgh serving as Air Commodores-in-Chief – Air Reserves of Canada and the Royal Canadian Air Cadets respectively. Until today, it was only the RCN that did not share this unique relationship with the Royal Family.

The Prince of Wales (Charles Philip Arthur George) is Colonel-in-Chief to seven Canadian military regiments.

The Princess Royal (Anne Elizabeth Alice Louise) is Colonel-in-Chief of seven Canadian military regiments.

Quotes
“The Royal Family has had a strong relationship with the Royal Canadian Navy since the inception of this proud institution in 1910. I am therefore delighted to welcome the appointments of The Prince of Wales and The Princess Royal as the new Commodores-in-Chief of our Royal Canadian Navy. It is fitting that this honour should be bestowed on the anniversary of the end of the Battle of the Atlantic, during which British and Canadian naval forces fought side by side on the high sea for freedom, peace and democracy.”

Jason Kenney, Minister of National Defence

The Queen invests Prince Philip with the Insignia of a Knight of the Order of Australia

  

H.M. The Queen of Australia, H.R.H Prince Philip and H.E. Alexander Downer, High Commissioner of Australia in the UK

Queen Elizabeth II, The Queen of Australia, officially invested Prince Philip with the Insignia of a Knight of the Order of Australia on 22nd April at Windsor Castle. The short investiture took place in the White Drawing Room at Windsor Castle.

It was announced on Australia Day 2015 by Prime Minister Tony Abbott that The Queen had accepted his recommendation on two new investitures of Knights of the Order of Australia, they were Prince Philip and Sir Angus Houston.

Also present at Wednesday’s investiture was Australian High Commissioner to the United Kingdom, Alexander Downer, formerly Australian Foreign Minister and High Commissioner to the UK since June 2014.

Although The Queen was presenting her husband with the Insignia, the investiture was still a formal affair, taking place as a royal audience similar to the format where Her Majesty meets with the Prime Minister every week. A Buckingham Palace spokesperson has said that details of the conversation between The Queen, Prince Philip and Mr Downer will not be released to public, just like any other conversations that take place at a normal investiture.

Prince Philip has been honoured for his significant contribution to Australia throughout Her Majesty The Queen’s 63 year reign and at the time of announcement, Tony Abbott also said that Prince Philip’s “long life of service and dedication should be honoured by Australia.”

Insignia of a Knight of the Order of Australia

The Order of Australia was instituted by The Queen in 1975 as “an Australian society of honour for the purpose of according recognition to Australian citizens and other persons for achievement or meritorious service.” In 1983 Prime Minister Bob Hawke advised the abolition of the Knight/Dame grade of the order though in 2014, this grade was reinstated after Tony Abbott advised The Queen to reinstate this grade. Since it has been reinstated, The Queen has personally received the two dames and one knight who have been honoured.

Queen's Birthday 2015

While the Queen's grandson, Prince Harry, touched down in Australia and will start serving with the Australian Defence Forces (ADF) from today onwards, this year's Queen's Birthday stamps have been issued.

This year marks the 89th birthday of Queen Elizabeth II and Australia Post celebrates this royal milestone with the release of two stamps depicting the Queen at recent official engagements.

Australia Post Philatelic Manager, Michael Zsolt said: “Australia Post has issued Queen’s birthday stamps since 1980 following a tradition that resonates with many Australians. We trust this stamp issue will be popular with collectors and followers of royal events.”

The 70 cent stamp shows Her Majesty on the occasion of her visit to the Ebony Horse Club and Community Riding Centre in Brixton in October 2013.

The $2.75 stamp depicts the Queen at Windsor Castle in April 2014, when Her Majesty met Irish President Michael D Higgins on his historic first-ever state visit to Britain by a Republic of Ireland’s head of state.

A feature product associated with the Queen’s Birthday stamp issue is a prestige booklet showcasing selected hats from the Queen’s royal hat collection. The Queen’s Hats prestige booklet will be of great interest to collectors, those interested in all things royal and of course to milliners of all ages.

A sheetlet of five $2.75 self-adhesive stamps

Other products associated with this stamp issue include a miniature sheet, first day cover, stamp pack, sheetlet of five $2.75 self-adhesive stamps and a set of two maxicards.

The Queen’s Birthday stamps and associated products are available from 7 April 2015 at participating Post Offices, via mail order on 1800 331 794 and online at auspost.com.au/stamps while stocks last.

Prince Harry a hit in Australia - Queen thanks ADF

Despite the rain hundreds of people turned up on Easter Monday morning to welcome Prince Harry back to Australia.

Prince Harry has arrived in Australia ahead of a four-week placement with the Australian Defence Force.

Prince Harry sticks a poppy flower into the Roll of Honour to commemorate the fallen.

He laid a wreath later at the Tomb of the Unknown Australian Soldier in Canberra before beginning his military attachment. At the Australian War Memorial The Governor-General, The Honourable Sir Peter Cosgrove AK, MC, and senior Government officials welcomed the Queen's grandson.

During the placement he will patrol with Aboriginal soldiers and train with the country's special forces. Prince Harry has said that he is, "tremendously looking forward" to this month-long attachment. He has trained and served alongside Australian Armed Forces on operational tours to Afghanistan; he has met them during the Invictus Games; and even trekked to the South Pole with a couple of Australian Soldiers. Those experiences reinforced the huge admiration and respect he already had for Australian servicemen and women and has stoked his enthusiasm even more to build on those relationships in the next four weeks.

He knows he will learn a huge amount from his Australian colleagues during this attachment and he is grateful to the ADF for producing such a varied and interesting programme for him.

The Queen has thanked the Australian military for welcoming Prince Harry and said he will "benefit greatly" from the attachment with the "diggers". Her gratitude was expressed in a message delivered by Harry on her behalf to Australia's Chief of the Defence Force, Air Chief Marshal Mark Binskin.

The Queen's message said: "I am delighted that the long and enduring association between the Australian and British armies will be joined by the military secondment of my grandson, Prince Harry.

"Together, our armed forces share skills, resources and resolve in order to uphold and defend our common values.

"In 2015, when together we commemorate the many sacrifices of our countrymen at Gallipoli a century ago, it is fitting that we can also reflect on the strength and persistence today of those common values and our professional military ties.

"I know that Captain Wales will benefit greatly from spending time with the Australian Diggers and I thank you for welcoming him into your ranks.

Elizabeth R.

Commonwealth of Australia: New succession laws take effect today

After the Australian Parliament passed the changes to the laws of succession (Succession to the Crown Bill 2015) the new rules come into effect on 26th March 2015. Australia was the last Commonwealth country to finish the legislative process because the federal parliament had to wait for the state parliaments to accept the new succession laws. Constitutional rules in Australia require that each of its six states consent to the changes – and while five have passed or are passing the necessary legislation, Western Australia was holding out.

Four years ago, during the Commonwealth Heads of Government meeting in Australia, an agreement was made between those 16 countries who recognise The Queen as their Head of State that there would be changes to the royal succession laws. Four years on and despite an Act of Parliament being passed in the UK, the changes only come today into force.

Ironically, the hold-up for these changes was down the very state from which they originated in Australia. Part of the Perth Agreement in 2011 was that each of the 16 Commonwealth realms would, where appropriate, each introduce their own laws with the necessary changes and that these laws would all be brought into effect at the same time.

The Queen in Perth on 27th October 2011 (to her left is WA Premier Colin Barnett), where and when the Perth agreement was made during the Commonwealth Heads of Goverment Meeting (CHOGM).

While every other realm has either asserted that legislation isn't needed or that they have passed any necessary changes, the Western Australia parliament took its time.In February 2015 the WA parliament passed the necessary bills, which gave the federal parliament the green light to act. The Bill was passed with the votes of the Australian Labor Party and the Coalition.

The purpose of the Succession to the Crown Bill 2015 (the Bill) was to assent to three reforms concerning the succession to the Crown consistent with changes enacted in the United Kingdom Succession to Crown Act 2013 (UK) (UK Succession to the Crown Act). Those reforms are:

• to bring to an end the system of male primogeniture so that the order of succession will be determined by order of birth

• to remove the statutory provisions under which anyone who marries a person of the Roman Catholic faith loses their place in the line of succession and

• to limit the requirement that the Sovereign consent to the marriage of a descendant of his late Majesty King George the Second in certain circumstances.

Background

The United Kingdom enacted the UK Succession to the Crown Act on 25 April 2013. Whilst the UK Succession to the Crown Act commenced on that day, its provisions come into force ‘on such day and at such time as the Lord President of the Council may by order made by statutory instrument appoint’. According to an ABC media report in February 2014:

Commonwealth realms rushed to agree to the changes after Prince William, the eldest son of Prince Charles and next in line to the throne after his father, got married in April 2011.

They were agreed in principle by prime ministers of the 16 countries at a Commonwealth summit in Perth on October 28, 2011.

On 3 December 2012, the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge announced that they were expecting their first child, so in a sense the impending birth of Prince George became the catalyst for activity to modernise the laws of succession. The Deputy Prime Minister of the United Kingdom, Nick Clegg, announced the agreement of the realms on 4 December 2012:

"The new rules will apply to any baby born in the line of succession, taking effect after the Prime Minister made the announcement in Perth, Australia, at the Commonwealth Heads of Government meeting in October 2011. At that meeting, an agreement was reached with all of the realms that the change should take effect immediately, and would be confirmed in legislation at a later date. This comes at the end of a significant period of work by the Government, the realms and Buckingham Palace."

The process of changing Royal succession laws is a lengthy one. As noted in a House of Commons research paper:

The Bill is tied into an international process. The Queen is Head of State of 16 states, including the UK, and her status is entrenched separately in each of these. The decision has been taken to move forward with changes at the same time in each of these “realms”. In October 2011, the political leaders of the realms agreed to change the rules of succession in two ways, to treat men and women equally, differentiating solely on the basis of age, and to remove the bar on the monarch or any person in the line of succession being married to a Roman Catholic (though the bar on the monarch being a Roman Catholic will remain). Work then began to bring all 16 of these states into a position in which the legislation could be introduced.

The ABC media report referred to above noted that British Government Ministers said that Australia was holding up changes to royal succession laws and that ‘all realms that took the view that legislation is required have passed the necessary legislation apart from Australia’.

The Council of Australian Governments agreed to the reforms on 25 July 2012 and at its April 2013 meeting agreed to the process to be undertaken:

COAG agreed to a hybrid model to implement the previously agreed changes to the rules of Royal succession in Australia. Under the hybrid model, States may choose to enact State legislation dealing with the rules of Royal succession. States have agreed that they will request the Commonwealth under s.51(38) of the Constitution to enact legislation, and that any State legislation will be consistent with their requests to the Commonwealth under s.51(38).

Section 51(xxxviii) of the Commonwealth of Australia Constitution Act (Constitution) provides that:

The Parliament shall, subject to this Constitution, have power to make laws for the peace, order, and good government of the Commonwealth with respect to:

(xxxviii) the exercise within the Commonwealth, at the request or with the concurrence of the Parliaments of all the States directly concerned, of any power which can at the establishment of this Constitution be exercised only by the Parliament of the United Kingdom or by the Federal Council of Australasia

All the Australian states have now enacted the necessary legislation requesting the Commonwealth to enact legislation for the whole of Australia and this legislation has now commenced, which was required before the Parliament of the Commonwealth of Australia could enact the Commonwealth legislation.

Happy Commonwealth Day 2015

On the 9th March 1837 Melbourne was officially named Melbourne in honour of then British  Prime Minister Lord Melbourne.

And coincidentally this 9th March is also Commonwealth Day 2015.

Happy Commonwealth Day to everyone

 

Commonwealth Day Message from Her Majesty The Queen, Head of the Commonwealth

One simple lesson from history is that when people come together to talk, to exchange ideas and to develop common goals, wonderful things can happen. So many of the world's greatest technological and industrial achievements have begun as partnerships between families, countries, and even continents. But, as we are often reminded, the opposite can also be true. When common goals fall apart, so does the exchange of ideas. And if people no longer trust or understand each other, the talking will soon stop too.



In the Commonwealth we are a group of 53 nations of dramatically different sizes and climates. But over the years, drawing on our shared history, we have seen and acted upon the huge advantages of mutual cooperation and understanding, for the benefit of our countries and the people who live in them.

Not only are there tremendous rewards for this cooperation, but through dialogue we protect ourselves against the dangers that can so easily arise from a failure to talk or to see the other person's point of view.

Indeed, it seems to me that now, in the second decade of the twenty first century, what we share through being members of the Commonwealth is more important and worthy of protection than perhaps at any other time in the Commonwealth's existence. We are guardians of a precious flame, and it is our duty not only to keep it burning brightly but to keep it replenished for the decades ahead.

With this in mind, I think it apt that on this day we celebrate ‘A Young Commonwealth’ and all that it has to offer. As a concept that is unique in human history, the Commonwealth can only flourish if its ideas and ideals continue to be young and fresh and relevant to all generations.

Her Majesty addressing the Commonwealth

The youthfulness and vitality that motivate our collective endeavours were seen in abundance last year in Glasgow. They will be seen again in a few months’ time when Young Leaders from islands and continents gather to make new friendships and to work on exciting initiatives that can help to build a safer world for future generations. And last November in India, talented young scientists from universities and research institutes conferred with eminent professors and pioneers of discovery at the Commonwealth Science Conference where together they shared thoughts on insights and inventions that promise a more sustainable future.

These are stirring examples of what is meant by ‘A Young Commonwealth’. It is a globally diverse and inclusive community that opens up new possibilities for development through trust and encouragement. Commonwealth Day provides each of us, as members of this worldwide family, with a chance to recommit ourselves to upholding the values of the Commonwealth Charter.

It has the power to enrich us all, but, just as importantly in an uncertain world, it gives us a good reason to keep talking.

Elizabeth R.

The flags of all realms that recognise The Queen as their sovereign.

Royal Australian Mint turns 50 today

Today the iconic Royal Australian Mint in Canberra is turning 50. Royal Australian Mint CEO Mr Ross MacDiarmid said the anniversary marked a significant time for what was a monumental occasion for Australia back in 1965 when the Mint was officially opened by His Royal Highness Prince Philip, along with Prime Minister Sir Robert Menzies and Federal Treasurer Harold Holt.

Prince Philip, who was bestowed an Australian knighthood on Australia Day 2015, had opened the new Royal Australian Mint on Monday, 22nd February 1965 by pressing the button which started the production run. The flow of 1.2 million coins a day built up stocks of the new decimal curency for release in February 1966. The Duke of Edinburgh kept a one cent piece (and no republican cried "robbery!)" which he had made. He was also given a presentation box containing the two, five and ten cent pieces struck at other mints

This 1 $ coin was issued in 2010 to commemorate the 100th anniversary of Australian coinage.

“The Royal Australian Mint was purposefully built to make Australia’s new coinage in time for the introduction of decimal currency the following year,” said Mr MacDiarmid. “Over one billion coins had to be made and they unveiled not only a new system of currency, but also six new coin designs 1, 2, 5, 10, 20 and 50 cent coins showcasing Australian wildlife. Since that time the Royal Australian Mint has produced about 15 billion circulating coins, as well as circulating coins for other nations and millions of collectible coins."

To mark the golden anniversary, a golden (gold-plated) collectible coin has been produced and will be available for only 50 days from 21 February retailing for $20. The total number made matches the anniversary date - 22,265 and can be purchased from 21st February.

The limited edition, gold-plated collectible coin.

Sir Angus Houston praises Prince Philip: "I am a great admirer of the Duke of Edinburgh."

On yesterday's Australia Day it was announced that Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, Queen of Australia, had appointed former Defence Force Chief Angus Houston a Knight of the Order of Australia. In an interview with the ABC Sir Angus tells Joe O’Brien how surprised and humbled he feels by the honour.

Sir Angus also praises the other recipient of Australia's highest honour, HRH Prince Philip, The Duke of Edinburgh: "I am a great admirer of the Duke of Edinburgh. I think the Duke of Edinburgh scheme is one that has probably been more successful than any other schemes in recent years in terms of  helping the development of young people. A lot of the things the Duke has been involved in for many many years demonstrate an incredible commitment by him in terms of causes that not only effect the British people, but also effect the people of the Commonwealth. And I hold him in very deep respect for the decades of service that he has given the UK and the Commonwealth."

The Queen's message to the people of South Australia and Victoria

Prince Philip and I send our sincere thanks and appreciation to the hundreds of firefighters and community volunteers who have risked their lives to contain the bushfires in South Australia and Victoria.

Our thoughts are with the families who have lost their homes and personal possessions in the fires.

I commend the courage and fortitude of the men and women who continue to assist with the emergency operations and those who are providing support to the people who are directly affected.

Elizabeth R.

Saint Vincent and the Grenadines 35 years an independent Dominion

On 27th October 1979 Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, a territory that had been a British colony since 1783, gained independence as a Dominion. Since then Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II has been head of state as Queen of St Vincent and the Grenadines.

In 2009 politicians tried to replace the Monarchy with as republic, but this proposal was defeated in a popular referendum. 29,019 votes (55.64 per cent) voted for the Monarchy, while 22,493 (43.13 per cent) gave preference to a politicians' republic.

Congratulations to the people of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines on their independence day and on their wise decision to remain a Constitutional Monarchy.