PRIME Minister Anthony Albanese has pledged loyalty to the British throne despite believing that Australia should have its own head of state.
In 1999, Albanese was one of those who took part in a failed referendum seeking to replace the British monarch with an Australian citizen as the country’s head of state.
Nearly 24 years later, the die-hard Republican – who now serves as the prime minister of Australia – said he came to accept the fact that the majority of Australians want the country to remain a constitutional monarchy.
However, he made it clear that the perception of the majority will not change his position of promoting an Australian as the country’s head of state.
“I haven’t changed my position on that and I’ve made that very clear. I want to see an Australian as Australia’s head of state,” said Anthony Albanese, Prime Minister of Australia.
Meanwhile, Albanese said that his stance doesn’t mean losing respect for the institution noting that it is his duty as the prime minister of Australia to represent the nation in a way that respects the constitutional arrangements.
The death of Queen Elizabeth II in September last year revived calls among commonwealth nations like Australia and New Zealand to cut ties with the British Monarchy.
King Charles III reportedly asked whether he will be welcomed if he visits Australia due to the current administration’s commitment to becoming a republic.
Australia donated 10,000 Australian dollars to a charity that conserves an endangered Australian bird known as the western ground parrot to serve as a coronation gift to the British King.