Anzac Day 2016 London

Ticket applications for the Cenotaph wreath laying ceremony, and the Westminster Abbey service will close at 5:00pm on Tuesday, 12th April (UK time).

Applications for tickets opened on 25th February. You will need to provide details of ID (passport or driver’s license) for all applicants, so please ensure you have this information handy when you apply. To apply for tickets, please click on this link.
 
Monday, 25th April 2016

5.00am: Dawn Service, Wellington Arch, Hyde Park Corner

The main service will take place in front of the Royal Artillery Memorial on Hyde Park Corner. The service lasts approximately 45 minutes and is a non-ticketed event open to the public.

In 2016, the only entry point for the public will be at the Green Park/south-east corner. Access to the site will be from 3.30am onwards. There will be a search regime in place, so please do not bring large bags with you. We recommend you arrive early in order to secure the best viewpoint.

9.30am: Gallipoli Association Service, St Paul's Cathedral

A short service and wreath laying ceremony will take place at the Gallipoli Memorial in the crypt of St Paul's Cathedral at 9.15 am for 9.30am on Monday 25 April. Wreaths will be laid by a representative of Her Britannic Majesty's Government, by senior representatives of the Royal Navy and the Army, and of the High Commissions of Australia and New Zealand, and other high-ranking officials from France and Turkey. Tickets are not required for this event.

Please note this service is not organised by the High Commission, but by the Gallipoli Association – enquires can be made to: events@gallipoli-association.org

11.00am: Wreath Laying Ceremony and Parade, The Cenotaph, Whitehall

Following a march onto Whitehall, a requiem is read, and at 11.00am the High Commissioners for New Zealand and Australia lay the first wreaths. They are followed by representatives of other countries, as well as representatives from various service and ex-service organisations. Arrival by 10.30am is recommended. This service will conclude at approx 11.20am, allowing time for the short walk to Westminster Abbey for the Commemorative Service.

If you are Service, ex-Service Personnel, or a relative interested in marching in the Parade, please click on this link (external link) to apply for tickets.

If you wish to observe the service, you will be able to watch from the east (Richmond House) side of Whitehall without a ticket.

12.00 noon: Service of Commemoration and Thanksgiving, Westminster Abbey

On completion of the Wreath Laying Ceremony at the Cenotaph, there is a Service of Commemoration and Thanksgiving to mark Anzac Day at Westminster Abbey at 12.00 noon. Guests need to be seated at the Abbey by 11.45 am. The service is approximately one hour.

Complimentary tickets are required to attend this service. They may be requested from the High Commissions of New Zealand or Australia and are allocated on a ‘first in, first served basis’.

ANZAC100 Commemorative Coin.

Last year Her Majesty's representative in New Zealand, Governor-General Sir Jerry Mateparae, presented the Commemorative Coin at an official launch at Government House in Wellington.

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

Happy Australia Day

Letter to the editor, published in The Age:

January 26 – a day for genuine celebration

Few Australians will agree with Martin Flanagan that "the great historical divide is between Indigenous and non-Indigenous Australians". If a division exists, it is between defenders of traditional Australia and those who seek to transform it.

We traditionalists support the Crown, the flag, our primary connection with the motherland, Britain, and the rule of law as it was bequeathed to us by our forebears from that nation. For us, Australia Day is the best day for celebration as it marks the moment when our nation – one of the most successful in the world – was born.

Nigel Jackson, Belgrave

Is it Australia Day? Must be, because the republicans crawl out of their holes again

As certain that Australia Day is celebrated by the nation every 26th January it is certain that politicians and the media dig up the rotting corpse of the “Australian republic”.

This year is no exception.

The only difference is that all but one premier signed an open letter calling for a republic. In their letter they demand nothing new and even Melbourne’s daily newspaper The Age said the move is “to resuscitate the struggling republic debate”. Even an Australian Republican Movement paid opinion poll brought only 47 p.c. in favour of the sponsor’s intention. This was hardly the popular demand for a republic that the ARM had wished for.

The latest PR stunt is to declare an Australian republic “nothing less than a declaration of desired independence”, which was highlighted by The Age’s front page headline, Declaration of independence. As if Australia was still a colony and not an independent nation since 1901. On what planet do these republicans live?

Can’t they deal with the real issues?

Have a look at the country that solemnly proclaimed a declaration of independence in 1776 and check out the field of 20 presidential wannabes – one more frightening than the other. If a country of more than 300 million people cannot present more credible potential presidents than these 20, then a modern Constitutional Monarchy beats that old republic any time.

Republican presidential candidates - enough to make you a Monarchist.

Royal Silver Jubilee in Norway

Sunday, 17th January 2016 marks the 25th anniversary of the ascension to the Norwegian throne of King Harald V and Queen Sonja. 

H.M. King Harald V and H.M. Queen Sonja of Norway

On January 17, 1991 King Harald's father, the popular King Olav V, who had been Norway's King since 21st September 1957, died on a night that also was dramatic because of the start of the Gulf War.

King Harald immediately became king, as heir to the throne, and his wife became Queen Sonja.

He was the first heir to the throne born in Norway in 600 years since King Olav IV, who was born in 1370. Prince Harald was born in Skaugum on 21st February 1937 and was baptized in the Royal Chapel in the Royal Palace in Oslo on 31st March 1937. Crown Prince Harald married Sonja Haraldsen at Oslo Domkirke in Oslo on 29th August 1968. The couple have two children, Princess Märtha Louise and Crown Prince Haakon, heir apparent to the Norwegian throne.

Queen Sonja can be viewed as the “managing director” at the Royal Palace, the King is sometimes described as "the chairman of the board". King Harald has tried to continue the Norwegian royal family’s “folksey” image. But he is well aware that he and the Royal Family embody history and cultural heritage.

Gratulerer med deres 25 års jubileum!

H.M. King Harald V, H.R.H. Crown Prince Haakon and the heiress presumptive H.R.H. Princess Ingrid Alexandra

Merry Christmas to all friends of the Monarchy

170 years ago Tonga had its first Christian king, King George Tupou I, crowned

A "March for Jesus 2015" was organised in Nuku'alofa, capital of the Kingdom of Tonga. The organising group was chaired by HM Queen Nanasipau’u, and marked 170 years since Tonga had its first Christian king, King George Tupou I, who was crowned on 4th December 1845. (30 photos of the march published by Matangi Online News)

King Tupou I (c. 1797 – 18 February 1893), as Tonga’s first Christian monarch, brought peace to the country, which had been ravaged by civil wars for years before the arrival of the Christian missionaries.

At the time, Tongans held a conviction that Tupou I surrendered Tonga to God rather than to any of the colonial powers at the time.

Almost the whole nation of 106,000 people is Christian, with Methodists as the majority denomination. Catholics form a 15 p.c. minority, nevertheless in February 2015 Pope Francis created Tongan Bishop Soane Patita Mafi a cardinal. At just 53 years of age, he became the youngest member of the College of Cardinals, as well as the first man in the history of this young Church to receive this honour. After the ceremony Pope Francis received Their Majesties King Tupou VI of Tonga and Queen Nanasipau’u Tuku’aho in an audience in the Apostolic Palace in the Vatican

Pope Francis received Their Majesties King Tupou VI of Tonga and Queen Nanasipau’u Tuku’aho in an audience in the Apostolic Palace in the Vatican Monday, 17th February 2015.

40 years King Juan Carlos I of Spain

On 22nd November 1975 - two days after General Franco's death - Don Juan Carlos, Prince of Spain, was proclaimed King of Spain, restoring the monarchy after a 44-year interregnum.

In 1977, he enacted political reforms that led to Spain's first democratic election since 1936.



The Spanish Constitution, which was unanimously approved by Parliament and voted by 87.8% of the citizens in a referendum held on 6th December 1978, provides in article 1 for a Parliamentary Monarchy of the classical liberal European style, with certain peculiarities to take into account the Spanish situation.

Article 1.3 reads: 'The political form of the Spanish State is that of a Parliamentary Monarchy'

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

Thousands of Sydneysiders welcomed the royal couple

A pop star receiption for Prince Charles and Duchess Camilla.

The Prince of Wales and The Duchess of Cornwall spent a day in Sydney, and were welcomed to the city by thousands of well-wishers.

Prince Charles and Duchess Camilla’s visits in Sydney began at the New South Wales Mounted Police, the oldest continuous Mounted Police unit in the world.

The Prince of Wales and The Duchess of Cornwall visited the New South Wales state mounted police headquarters.

Their Royal Highnesses watched a display of horsemanship and training for crowd control by officers from the unit before the riders came forward on their horses to meet the Royal visitors.

The Duchess of Cornwall then visited the Sydney headquarters of OzHarvest, an organisation which provides charities who feed those in need with unwanted produce from restaurants and other food outlets.

The Duchess at OzHarvest

Her Royal Highness toured the building and met Chrissy Mulyneux in the preparation kitchen who was making mouth-watering bread and butter pudding with dried apricots and raisins. Now in its 11th year of operations, OzHarvest has more than 30 vehicles on the road operating across Sydney, Adelaide, Brisbane, Gold Coast, Canberra, Melbourne, Newcastle and Perth.

Meanwhile, The Prince of Wales attended the Psychological Recovery Following Community Disaster Roundtable event.The roundtable was held at the Macquarie Group Building and attendees included CEO of Macquarie Group, Nicolas Moore, Chairman of The Prince’s Charities Australia, Tony Beddison, and the Chief Executive of The Prince’s Charities Australia, Janine Kirk.

During the meeting, His Royal Highness and those in attendance discussed psychological recovery following man-made or natural disasters. The Prince also met front line responders, including serving and former military personnel, and disaster survivors.

In the afternoon, The Prince of Wales and The Duchess of Cornwall were welcomed to Government House for a reception to celebrate the work of Australians who have made a difference to their local communities and the nation. TRH were greeted with a ‘Welcome to Country’ ceremony, performed by Uncle Chicka Madden, Gadigal Elder. These ceremonies are given at special occasions as a mark of respect.

The Duchess of Cornwall, Colonel-in-Chief, The Royal Australian Corps of Military Police, with members of the Corps during a visit to Victoria Barracks.

Later, The Duchess of Cornwall visited the Victoria Barracks, home of The Royal Australian Corps of Military Police. Her Royal Highness’s visit marked the Corps’ 100th anniversary, which will be celebrated next year. The Duchess has been the unit's Colonel-in-Chief since 2012. Her Royal Highness joined a reception with members of the Corps, and was invited to cut the centenary cake.

The military police serve in the army in Australia and around the globe, and over the last fifteen years have been deployed to Solomon Islands, Pakistan, Lebanon and Iraq and Afghanistan.

The Head of the Corps, Brigadier Cheryl Pearce, said: "It's a real honour to have The Duchess here. When she became our Colonel-in-Chief in 2012 it was just the start of a tradition and we want to continue with her into the future. This was a chance for her to meet our soldiers and our soldiers to meet her."

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.

"How dare this Irish expatriate bring his Irish republicanism across to this country?"

After Alan Joyce has reduced Qantas from a world wide operating airline to a regional flight service enterprise, he is set to grant his skills to the republican movement.

Philip Benwell, Chairman of the Australian Monarchist League, commented Mr. Joyce's decision in a media release that is republished below:


So the twelve million dollar ($12M) a year Irish CEO of Qantas, Alan Joyce, has joined the Republican Movement (AFR 4/11/15). He doesn’t explain why he doesn’t support our system of constitutional monarchy which provided the constitutional security and political stability to enable him to make his fortune, only that his ear was chewed off by Peter FitzSimon’s: “Fitzy just kept asking and asking, so the easiest thing for me to do was to say yes.” Worse, this millionaire of millionaires insulted monarchist Catholics and monarchists of Irish descent by excusing himself by saying: “Mind you, I'm a Catholic from the south of Ireland, so it was a pretty simple choice.”

How dare this Irish expatriate bring his Irish republicanism across to this country. As our Prime Minister has said: “It is not compulsory to live in Australia. If you find Australian values, you know, unpalatable, then there’s a big wide world out there and people have got freedom of movement.”

I have been a Qantas member for over 25 years, but no more. Unlike the elitist republicans, Alan Joyce and Peter FitzSimon’s, when I visit our branches or travel Interstate on speaking engagements, like most of us, I squeeze myself into the economy seats. Unlike these republicans, no exclusive Qantas Chairman’s Lounge or business class travel for me. And yet we are the ones who are called elitist as though it is some sort of derogatory word when referring to monarchists, but obviously never to these republicans!

I say that we should object to our Australian airline being used to support republicans, whether directly or indirectly. Please contact Qantas and demand the resignation of the Catholic Irish Republican Mr Joyce.

Even though I might miss seeing the red rag on top of Mr FitzSimon’s head in the far distant ‘pointy end’ of a Qantas plane, from now on, I will be flying Virgin in future and I suggest that monarchists do likewise. Let us vote with our feet and reject the sectarianism and republicanism of the Qantas Chief Executive Officer.

Mr Joyce can be contacted as follows:

Mr Alan Joyce
Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer
Qantas Campus
10 Burke Road
Mascot NSW 2020
T: 02 9691 3636
F: 02 9691 3510

Yours sincerely,

Philip Benwell
National Chair
Australian Monarchist League

The Prince of Wales and The Duchess of Cornwall soon in New Zealand and Australia

The Prince of Wales and Duchess of Cornwall will tour New Zealand and Australia from 4th-15th November; visiting 12 cities and towns; seven regions of New Zealand and three Australian states and one territory in 12 days. Their Royal Highnesses will arrive into Wellington at the start of the tour and will travel to Dunedin, Nelson, Ngaruawahia, New Plymouth and Auckland in New Zealand. The Prince of Wales will also visit Westport. In Australia, The Prince and Duchess will tour Adelaide and Tanunda, Canberra, Sydney, Albany and Perth.

In New Zealand, highlights of The Prince of Wales and Duchess of Cornwall's Tour will include arriving by train into historic Dunedin station, sampling the best of the country's spectacular food and wine during a visit to picturesque Nelson and being welcomed to Tūrangawaewae Marae, the home of the Kīngitanga (Māori King Movement), where Their Royal Highnesses will view a waka (canoe) armada on the Waikato River.

In Australia, the Royal couple will mark the centenary of Gallipoli by visiting the new National Anzac Centre in Albany and viewing the point from which the troop convoys departed; get a taste of regional life in the South Australian town of Tanunda and celebrate His Royal Highness's birthday with Western Australian families at a beachside barbeque in Cottesloe.

Many of the Tour's engagements reflect the themes of community, culture and conservation. For instance, The Prince and Duchess will have the opportunity to meet people in urban and rural areas across both countries and to learn how communities support one another. In Auckland, The Prince will visit Nga Rangatahi Toa ("Strong Youth") to hear how the organisation provides intensive creative arts mentoring through established artists, actors, musicians and creatives, to support young people back into work, education or training. Her Royal Highness will see a shining example of community cohesion at Oz Harvest in Sydney, a charity which collects surplus food, and redistributes it to charities which support the vulnerable.

On the theme of culture, in New Zealand, Her Royal Highness will attend a literary reception at Otago University, celebrating Dunedin's status as a UNESCO City of Literature; whilst in Australia His Royal Highness will visit the National Museum of Australia.

During Conservation Week in New Zealand, Their Royal Highnesses will learn about the work being undertaken to preserve native species at Orokonui Eco-Sanctuary. Meanwhile in Perth, His Royal Highness will hear about the efforts of the Western Australian Seed Technology Centre to preserve Western Australia's biodiversity.

In 2012 Prince Charles met sailors of the Royal Australian Navy.

The programme also reflects The Prince and Duchess's strong relationship with the military in both New Zealand and Australia. In Wellington, New Zealand, they will lay a wreath at the National War Memorial, and His Royal Highness will take part in a military exercise in Westport. Their Royal Highnesses will spend Remembrance Day in Canberra in Australia, and will attend the National Ceremony at the Australian War Memorial.

In 2012 Her Royal Highness Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall, inspected the Royal Guard of the Royal Australian Corps of Military Police during her visit to Victoria Barracks in Sydney.

Her Royal Highness, who is Colonel-in-Chief of The Royal Australian Corps of Military Police, will visit Victoria Barracks in Sydney, to mark their 100th anniversary.

This is The Prince of Wales's 9th visit to New Zealand, and his 15th to Australia. It is The Duchess of Cornwall's second visit to both countries. The couple last visited New Zealand and Australia in 2012, as part of The Queen's Diamond Jubilee Tour.

Put the Queen back on Australian banknotes

At the moment Her Majesty's head is on a $5 banknote ...

Whilst Her Majesty is still on the old banknotes, Queen Elizabeth, Queen of Australia, has been replaced on the new five dollar tactile notes with the images of Catherine Helen Spence (1825-1910) writer and of course feminist and an unbearded Henry Parkes (1815-1896) , politician and architect of Australian Federation.

... but soon she will be replaced by a feminist and a politician.

It seems that the federal government is not only not celebrating the time when the Queen becomes our longest reigning sovereign, but has actually overseen the removal of Her Majesty from our new banknotes!

Join the Australian Monarchist League campaign to have the Queen’s image put onto the new (tactile) note. In fact, as head of state Her Majesty’s image should be on all Australian banknotes.

Please write to the Prime Minister saying how disgusted you are that he has allowed this to be done. Details are:

Hon. Tony Abbott MP
Parliament Office –
PO Box 6022, House of Representatives, Parliament House, Canberra ACT 2600
Telephone: (02) 6277 7700 Fax: (02) 6273 4100

Electorate Office - Level 2, 17 Sydney Road, Manly, NSW, 2095
Postal address - PO Box 450, Manly, NSW, 2095
Telephone: (02) 9977 6411 Fax: (02) 9977 8715

Australia Post celebrates the birth of Princess Charlotte

HRH Princess Charlotte of Cambridge stamp and Royal Australian Mint coin.

Australia Post is celebrating the recent birth of Princess Charlotte Elizabeth Diana to the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge with today's release of a domestic base rate (70c) stamp that features an image of the Royal couple leaving St Mary’s Hospital Paddington with their newborn daughter.

Australia Post Managing Director and Group CEO, Ahmed Fahour said: “Australia Post is delighted to celebrate the birth of a baby girl to the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, with a sheetlet of stamps that captures the first public appearance of the happy family.”

“We expect the stamp will be well received as was the royal birth of Prince George stamp in 2013.”

Princess Charlotte was born on 2nd May 2015 at 8.34am BST and introduced to the world the same day on the steps of the hospital, in the arms of her proud parents. Her Royal Highness Princess Charlotte of Cambridge will be fourth in line to the throne after Prince Charles, Prince William and Prince George.

The sons of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II – Charles, Andrew and Edward – were born at Buckingham Palace, while Princess Anne was born at Clarence House. Today, the preferred birthing facility used by the Royal Family is the Lindo Wing at St Mary’s Hospital in Paddington. The baby’s father Prince William was born there, as was her uncle, Prince Harry and brother, Prince George.

A notice of the birth was attached to an ornate easel in the forecourt of Buckingham Palace, with the media officially informed. There were royal gun salutes across London heralding the new arrival.

The Princess Charlotte stamps (at 70 p.) are for internal use in Australia. Stamp collectors abroad cannot expect to receive them, The rate for international letters from Australia is $2.75.

Princess Charlotte was christened on 5 July at St Mary Magdalene Church, Sandringham, by Justin Welby, the Archbishop of Canterbury.

The designer of the stamp is Jo Muré of the Australia Post Design Studio. The products associated with this stamp issue are a first day cover, sheetlet pack, maxi card, two postal and numismatic covers (one featuring a Royal Australian Mint coin and one featuring a Perth Mint coin), sheetlet of 10 x 70c stamps and a booklet of 10 x 70c self- adhesive stamps.

The Birth of a Princess stamp issue is available from 25th August 2015 at participating Post Offices, via mail order on 1800 331 794 and online at www.auspost.com.au/stamps while stocks last.

Princess Charlotte stamp on a maxi card, which are sold at $3.60.

Egyptians turn towards the Monarchy to show their opposition of the oppressive republic

Criticising Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi is a dangerous venture in the Nile country. "His method of governance is one that sucks the life out of the democratic and pluralistic aspirations that millions of Egyptians embraced after President Hosni Mubarak’s resignation in 2011. ... Sisi has returned the country to a state comparable to the strongman days of President Gamal Abdel Nasser. Nasser set the precedent for military rule and severe controls on the flow of information and knowledge, arguably the two greatest constraints on human and national development in the Arab world since 1952." (Aljazeera America).

 It seems safer to refer to the pre-1952 period as the "the beautiful era". The years of King Farouk I mean glamour, class, religious tolerance and a civilised society. That's the quintessence of an article on the BBC Trending website: Why are some Egyptians pinning away for their long-gone king?

"I'm begging King Farouk not to leave Egypt to the army," an Egyptian tweeted recently - quite an odd plea, as Egypt hasn't had a monarch for more than 60 years. But that message, and thousands like it, were shared in a sort of mass historical role play that pushed the phrase "Tweet as if you're in the 1950s" to the top of Egypt's Twitter charts.

 A Facebook fan page in his name that was set up in August 2011 has been liked more than 2.2 million times. "King Farouk was wrongly and unfairly depicted," says Amr Abu Seif, a 40-year-old Egyptian who set up the Facebook page as well as a King Farouk website, which he started in 2007 after he couldn't find any websites dedicated to the Egyptian monarchy.

Queen Narriman and King Farouk I with his son Fouad II on his lap.

Of course, there is an Egyptian king: Fouad II, son and heir of King Farouk who became king in 1952, after his father was forced to go into exile. However, the baby-king was deposed by Nasser in 1953. However, he keeps in touch with the Egyptian people and send a royal message on the occassion of Eid, the end of Ramadan. (For a rough translation you can use https://translate.google.com/)

﴿وَلِتُكْمِلُوا الْعِدَّةَ وَلِتُكَبِّرُوا اللهََّ عَلَى مَا هَدَاكُمْ وَلَعَلَّكُمْ تَشْكُرُونَ﴾

يتوجه فؤاد الثاني -ملك مصر السابق- وأسرته بأصدق التهاني للشعب المصري، وللشعوب العربية والإسلامية، بمناسبة حلول عيد

الفطر المبارك؛ الذي نستقبله الليلة شاكرين بعد أن منَّ اللهُ علينا وعلى أمَّتنا بإتمامِ شهرَ رمضان المعظَّم، فرحين بما آتانا الله من

نعمهِ ورحمتهِ في أهلينا ووطننا.
ويرفع فؤاد الثاني الدعاء من قلب مؤمن بالله ومحب لرسوله أن يتقبل الله صيامنا ودعاءنا، وأن يتغمدنا بعنايته ورحمته، وأن يؤلف

بين قلوبنا ويحفظ وطننا مصر من كل سوء ومكر، سبحانه نعم المولى ونعم النصير. وأن هذه المناسبة الكريمة، نستحضر فيها، بكل

تدبر واعتبار، ما يجمع شعوب أمتنا العربية والإسلامية من روابط وتاريخ، ترسخ إيماننا بوحدة مصيرها، في ظل إعلاء قيم ديننا
الحنيف، الداعية إلى الإخاء والإيثار والمحبة، والوسطية والاعتدال، والتسامح والتعايش بين مختلف الديانات والحضارات.
حفظ الله مصر وشعبها

فؤاﺍدﺩ فارﺭوﻭقﻕ