There will soon be only five kings left - the kings of England, Diamonds, Hearts, Spades and Clubs.
The world probably heard about this simultaneously at once, that Prince Charles is set to marry Camilla Parker-Bowles. While the news is probably worthy to make the front pages, it isn't as much of a scandal as the press are trying to make out. Admittedly the two of them are divorcees and both went on public record as openly committing outright adultery during the time that they were married but probably quite rightly the reaction among most Britons is that of one giant yawn - 40% of the population when polled didn't care.
I will however in this post try to explain in some regard what this means in relation to Australia... precisely squat. Charles when he does eventually become king will be Charles III. Camilla by virtue of being his wife isn't actually that high up the order in line for the throne with both William and Harry as well as Edward, Andrew, Anne and their children ahead of her. William would be William V and Harry if for some reason that William doesn't become king would be actually be Henry IX. Believe it not, his full name is Henry Charles Albert David Windsor. On the back of the coins Charles III would be facing to the left and William V would be facing to the right in following the tradition going back to the Tudors.
Consitutionally there will be precisely no changes. As it stands currently HM Elizabeth actually has no power in parliament at all. Since the Australia Act of 1984 all appeals to the Privy Council and even her ability to give Royal Assent to bills actually doesn't exist. The Govenor-General as her representative by almost legal fluke is by de facto the head of state.
What do I think of the whole deal? As a known Anglophile and nominal monarchist (by virtue of the fact that I can't honestly see what benefits would be accrued by changing the current system), I like the Great British public think the whole think is worthy of one giant yawn.
Perhaps this still rings true? "The only reason that the sun never sets on the British Empire is that God doesn't trust the English in the dark"
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