Lexi, I seem to recall that we spent around 100 million on the
pope circus, when he came to Aus. The Charlie circus is alot smaller
then the pope circus and not half as rich as the Vatican.

ABC radio had this subject today and it had interesting views.
One was to remind us how the French rid them selves of Royalty.
England indeed has a long history of Royalty, including the beheading of Charles the first.
The Magna Carta, and the importation of the Dutch, or was it German Royals after the line died ed out.
Saxon invasion was another break in one family rule.
I doubt we can avoid talking about the costs or understanding Royalty harks right back to tribal chieftains, strongest rules, and at its start was maybe a self appointed thing.
Just as all those medals on Idi Armins chest, all for show.

Dear Poirot,

Nurturing ties? It has to be a two way street.
The cost of Charles and Camilla's visit
to Canada cost Canada $2.57 million.

Dear Yabby,

The Pope's visit and World Youth Day was a great
expense. I think in the vicinity of $139 million.
However, pilgrims paid registration fees ranging
from $50 to $395, depending on their country of
origin. The Sydney Archdiocese contributed close
to $20 million. Then there were numerous corporate
sponsors who contributed - such as Qantas, the
Commonwealth Bank, numerous Catholic organisations,
Mercedes Benz, just to name a few.

And of course the celebration did bring in millions
of tourist dollars into the state.

A bit of a different scenario to a Royal visit.

As I understand it Charles will focus on economic,
environmental
and military issues while touring the Scandinavian
countries this year, while promoting Britain as a centre
for business opportunity. Nurturing ties? You betcha -
Britain takes - the colonials give.

Not sure what he will focus
on in Australia - perhaps showing Camilla his old haunts
where he spent his salad days - amongst the Colonials.
Who knows?

Lexi,

"Nurturing ties?...."

I'm not defending it or criticising it - only pointing out that this is standard procedure between allies.

*A bit of a different scenario to a Royal visit.*

Well yes, a royal visit would be cheaper for the Govt than
a pope visit, as the evidence shows.

Lexi, history needs to play out here. Its not long now, Lizzie 2
can't live forever, soon you will see changes. But I think it would
be a real snub to act before that. Lots of Australian oldies have
grown up and spent their whole lives tied up with Britain, Lizzie
and the clan. It means something to them and we are hardly spending
a fortune on it, in fact probably far less then if somebody like
Rudd was prez and was flying around the world at our expense.

I have no problem with Australia becoming a republic, I just think
that the timing should be thought about. Once Lizzie goes, it will
all look a bit different.

*Royalty harks right back to tribal chieftains, strongest rules, and at its start was maybe a self appointed thing*

A bit like those union leaders who run the Govt.

Dear Yabby,

How often does the
Pope come to Oz compared to the Royals?
And as I tried to point out - we were compensated
quite well financially for his visit. We may even
have made a profit out of it or broke even.
Anyway, Yabby -
point taken. My personal feelings don't really
matter much on this issue. The nation will eventually
decide which way it will go.

Dear Poirot,

I was merely trying to point
out that "nurturing ties,"
should be of benefit to all participants.
It wasn't meant to be taken personally. And I did not
mean to imply that you were taking some sort of stand
on it.