The Prince of Wales and the Duchess of Cornwall begin their visit in New Zealand and Australian Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull abolishes Knights and Dames.

Ladies and gentlemen, what the hell am I going to say to the Aussies next week?

Rugby World Cup 2015

Prince Harry presents the trophy to the All Blacks who defeated Australia in the Rugby World Cup Finals at Twickenham in London on 31 October 2015.

 

The Duke of Edinburgh and Prince William also watched the Finals.

 

Charles and Camilla in New Zealand

The Prince of Wales’ speech at the State Reception in the Ballroom of Government House on 4 November 2015.

Guests included the Prime Minister, John Key and his wife, Mrs Bronagh Key, and Members of Parliament.

The Prince of Wales and the Duchess of Cornwall attended the All Blacks victory parade in Wellington despite having a “rest day”.

The Prince of Wales gave a brilliant speech, congratulating the All Blacks on their win in the Rugby World Cup.

Both videos courtesy of the Governor-General of New Zealand.

Malcolm Turnbull abolishes Knights and Dames

Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull has abolished Knights and Dames in Australia saying they are “anachronistic” and “not appropriate in 2015 in modern Australia”. He said the Queen had agreed to the Government’s recommendation to remove them.

However, this will not affect existing Knights and Dames from the Order of Australia.

Former Prime Minister Tony Abbott reintroduced Knights and Dames in 2014 for “pre-eminent Australians”, including currently serving Governors-General. Up to four would be created each year. Knights and Dames were abolished about 30 years ago by the Hawke Labor Government

Monarchist groups are concerned this move is “another campaign of republicanism by stealth”.

The Australian Monarchist League (AML) has criticised the Prime Minister of trying to “break Australia’s heart.”

Mr Turnbull had once levelled the same accusation towards former Prime Minister John Howard when the republican referendum failed in 1999.

However, Mr Abbott was ridiculed, especially by republic supporters, when he awarded a Knighthood to Prince Philip earlier this year.

Meanwhile, in New Zealand, Prime Minister John Key restored Knights and Dames to the New Zealand honours system in 2009, but there was no outcry about being anachronistic.

“The honours system is a good way of reflecting certain New Zealanders’ achievements,” Mr Key said.

Mr Key has said Knights and Dames have become more popular than ever, and has no plans, unlike Australia, to scrap them.