Monarchists Applaud Charles' Visit

The Prince of Wales has left New Zealand after a highly successful five-day tour of the country. The visit was 'low-key', and there were 'limited public engagements' (in the words of the national police commander for the security operation). But the Prince was very well-received everywhere he went. There were many stories of people waiting for hours to see the Prince. Even though there were no formal walkabouts he made sure that he spoke with people wherever the opportunity presented itself. Prince Charles appeared to enjoy his time in New Zealand as much as New Zealanders enjoyed seeing him here.

One of the events on the Prince of Wales's busy schedule was to attend the launch of the ten-year plan for the Prince's Trust in New Zealand. This highly respected organisation founded by the Prince of Wales has operated for ten years in New Zealand. It has now embarked on an ambitious programme of new projects and initiatives, all of which are central to the Prince's belief in identifying and maximising the potential in everyone. We wish the Trust every success.

The Prince's speech at the Royal Albatross Centre at Taiaroa Head received world-wide publicity. The Prince, a leading advocate for the environment for 30 years, spoke with passion about the future of the Royal Albatross. His speech was widely reported around the world.

Unfortunately the Prime Minister's repetition of her personal view that it was inevitable that New Zealand would become a republic also received world-wide publicity. So too did the foolish young women who exposed themselves in the mistaken belief that Prince Charles had been offended by the sight of bare-breasted Aboriginal dancers in Australia.The global media obsession with trivia and bad taste ensured that we were portrayed as a country in which bad taste and rudeness prevails.

It is a pity that we cannot follow the suggestion of Dave Guerin of the Republican Movement, and use royal tours to publicise New Zealand. We do get publicity for New Zealand during royal tours, but the publicity isn't necessarily the type we would have sought.

Dr Noel Cox

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