Republican movement’s extraordinary dig against Queen Mary after Aussie-born royalty ascended the Danish throne
The Australian Republic Movement has used Denmark’s new queen – born and raised in Tasmania – to renew its call for a referendum on removing King Charles as Australia’s head of state.
The woman born Mary Donaldson became Queen Mary of Denmark on Sunday when she ascended the throne alongside her husband, King Frederick.
But the Australian Republic Movement (ARM) said her transition from princess to queen following the abdication of her mother-in-law Queen Margrethe was “the stuff of medieval fairy tales” and “not a modern representation”.
‘Many Australians will be thrilled to see a local Tassie girl become queen after marrying her handsome prince, who became King of Denmark overnight.
“They are fairytales with the dresses and jewelry, glitz and glamor too,” said Isaac Jeffrey, national director of ARM.
The Australian Republic Movement has used Denmark’s Queen Mary – born and raised in Tasmania – to renew its call for a referendum on removing King Charles as Australia’s head of state. King Frederik and Queen Mary are depicted
“But like a children’s book, it may be fun to read and look at the pictures, but it’s a far cry from how modern stable democracies should choose their representatives.”
Mr Jeffrey made it clear he was not attacking the new queen personally. “Mary seems like a wonderful person, someone who could have risen through the ranks of any organization or society to become a leader in her own right.
‘It’s a shame she had to leave Australia to become head of state. Under an Australian republic, a young girl from Tassie could one day become our Aussie head of state – a position forever blocked from her while we default to the British monarch.”
Although the Queen is not the head of state in Denmark – the King is – she is a patron of dozens of organizations, including the United Nations Population Fund and the World Health Organization.
She also founded her own charity, The Mary Foundation, and advocates for maternal health, anti-bullying and other causes.
Her former behavior coach Teresa Page said it was unfair to use Queen Mary and her family to call for a republic in Australia.
“Historically, the kings of Denmark have had this incredible history through the decrees of the advancement of culture, the economy and the development of a Danish culture,” she said. The Australian.
Mr Jeffrey also said that the cost of living crises being felt around the world is another reason to replace monarchies with republics.
‘Regardless of how you feel about Mary or Charles, it is not surprising that questions are being raised around the world about the role of monarchs in our societies.
‘While Aussies, Danes and Brits tap their credit cards at the checkout and borrow money for their weekly shop, they see their leaders, their representatives, living the life of luxury.’
He said this luxury was “built on the hard work and toil of others. Luxury bestowed by marriage and birthright. Luxury inherited, not earned.
“It’s no wonder people wonder why these chosen few should be given so much privilege and wealth while the rest of us have to work hard to make ends meet.”
However, the republican movement could be in for a long wait for another chance to make change as the government has already backtracked on its intention to hold a referendum on the issue.
Ironically, according to the latest poll, a vote on Australia becoming a republic is likely to pass, with 52 percent in favor in a poll released on Sunday.
The only problem with that is that 55 percent of people are against having a referendum on the issue at all.
Last week, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said a republic referendum had been suspended following the Indigenous Voice’s defeat in parliament last October.
Queen Mary of Denmark (pictured) arrives to take part in the Danish Parliament’s celebration of the succession to the throne at the Danish Parliament on January 15, 2024 in Copenhagen
Danish King Frederik, Queen Mary and Crown Prince Christian visit the House of Parliament for the first time in their new official roles, together with former Queen Margrethe, Prince Joachim and Princess Benedkeek on January 15, 2024
“I have committed to one referendum,” he said. ‘We held it. It didn’t work out, and I find that disappointing.’
Matt Thistlethwaite, the assistant republican minister, said there is no fixed date on when Labor will hold a new referendum.
“I’m not going to put a timeline on it,” he told the ABC.
“Right now our priority is the cost of living and that is the right thing for the government to focus on.”