Regal role for royal brings mixed feelings
BRITISH royals were plotting to have Prince Harry installed as Australia’s GovernorGeneral in a bid to keep the wayward prince out of the spotlight — but a Queensland MP says he should be the state’s next Governor.
Republicans branded the British plot insulting and “colonial cringe at its worst”, drawing comparisons to the knighting of Prince Philip.
But Australian Monarchist League national spokesman and former Queensland Attorney-General Jarrod Bleijie said it would be a welcome way to further strengthen ties with the Commonwealth.
Mr Bleijie said Harry as GG should not be “off the table”, even if it was for a shorter term, while suggesting a Queensland posting after Paul de Jersey steps down should also be considered.
“I would love to see one day a senior member of the royal family be appointed Governor (of Queensland) for a period of time,” he said.
“It would put Queensland in the spotlight.”
The Sunday Times yesterday revealed the plot was being discussed last year, but said the royal courtiers eventually dismissed it due to concerns with the 24-hour media cycle.
“The trouble is you effectively set them up as king and queen of a separate country,” a palace source told The Times.
Australian Republican Movement Queensland convener Andrew Fraser said that the palace source thought Harry would be set up as “king” showed they still viewed the nation as a colony.
“If Harry became GG he and his grandmother (Queen Elizabeth) would have the final say over all laws in Australia, and that’s insulting to Australians,” Mr Fraser said.
Labor’s spokesman for a Republic Matt Thistlethwaite said “thanks but no thanks”, saying the job should go to an Australian on merit.