[Jan Fisher]

While I know there are some die-hard royalists out there, I am not one and I’ll explain why.

It simply comes down to the cost. There are no estimates about ths cost of this year’s visit from Charles and Camilla, but it’s estimated that his last visit in 2018 cost us $1 million in security costs, flights etc alone.

Now, I’ll accept that’s a trifling amount in the big picture of the Australian annual budget, but that’s not the point. Why are we paying anything?

The UK Monarchy and Charles in particular are astonishingly rich. Charles’ own net worth is estimated at 2.3 billion pounds, which works out to about a tad under A$4.5 billion. This is not to mention they have the run of some of the best real estate in the UK courtesy of the UK taxpayer. Great job if you can get it.

No, I’m sorry, if Charles wants to spend time in Australia he can pay for it himself from now on in.

Maybe if he’s hard up for cash he could sell a castle or two, or some of those fabulous jewels his family wears. Not on my dime.

What do you think? Should we pay for his visits?

[Wendy]

While he is the king we have to pay for him. No questions asked.

[Mildred]

Long live our King !
I’m not impressed you pushing your views and opinions on others.
Long may our King reign over us!!!
We pay more for our ‘Politicians’ gadding about than for our monarch’s visit.

[ABBIE]

We’re paying for this visit because the Monarchy has served us well and continues to do so. We don’t wish to be another United States with the stupidity that goes on every time they have to elect a President. The cost of their Presidential elections (billions) is absolutely ridiculous and it is also totally discordant amongst the people. The British Monarchy has shown itself to be ethical and steady. ‘Mildred’ (above) is right. We pay more for our ‘Politicians gadding about than for our monarch’s visit’. Long may our Monarchy remain!

[ronjohn]

Bludging, chinless parastic pom. Adds insult to injury that we have to pay for this sponger and his spouse

[ABBIE]

From Google: The 2020 US election campaigns smashed all records – with presidential and congressional candidates spending a total of almost $14bn (yes, that’s FOURTEEN BILLION DOLLARS) – more than double the price tag for 2016 (which was a measly SIX TO SEVEN BILLION DOLLARS ($6-7bn).
Which sounds best? An enjoyable Royal Visit, or the pain and animosity that goes with a Presidential Campaign?

[JayJay]

So if we became a republic it would be cheaper than an infrequent visit from a svereign? If this is really what you think I suggest you look at the costs other countries outlay at all levels – individual, corporate, state and national – in running elections for presidents, and all the associated party political ‘manoeuverings’.

We already have 3 sets of regular, expensive elections – local, state and federal. But republicans will obviously happily fork out for a fourth level of regular elections based on an as yet undefined selection/nomination process, and budget.

Our current system is one which gives us an apolitical sovereign and governor-general – the latter of whom IS Australian and lives on our soil – who do not have a legislative role and therefore cannot ‘interfere’ in the actual business of Australian government.

Until we have a clear view of what an Australian republic will look like, and its ongoing cost to the taxpayers, I would suggest an unbroken constitutional monarchy is worth sticking with.

[ronloby]

He should pay for the visit himself. He decided to have a holiday in Australia, not us. If he is our boss, then he should help with our housing problem. Selling a castle or two would help build quite a few houses here. That would be a thank you to Australia for supporting him and England.

[JayJay]

There are sadly some quite ill-informed people in our world, and also some un-necessarily rude ones.

We are all entitled to voice an opinion but base it on at least some facts, and do so without using insulting, derogatory or downright rude language. Please.

[Anthony]

I agree, if he and his family want to visit Australia, he can pay for it out of his own pocket that goes for the rest of his family. What benefit does the Royal family contribute to any country other than they get a free trip at the expense of taxpayers.
Not Happy…

[Author]

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