Royal Valediction?

I am much saddened, though realistic, that the forthcoming trip to Australia by the Queen and Prince Philip might be their last.

While Buckingham Palace aides refuse to rule out future visits to the second-largest Commonwealth realm, many Australians will treat the visit as a chance to bid Farewell to our most gracious Majesty, who is expected to cut back on long-haul tours following next year’s Diamond Jubilee.

The Royal Party will take a charter flight to Canberra, arriving on Oct 19, where they will be based for a week, making a day-trip to Brisbane on Oct 24. 

A charter flight? Utterly ridiculous, to my mind. HM Government ought to be providing our Sovereign with a Royal Flight capable of long-haul trips, royal entourages, personal valets and luggage; a Royal Flight painted in scarlet red with royal insignia; fitted out like HMY Britannia or the Royal Train. We, the British Nation, should be glad to fund it.

Although the itinerary for the trip has not been officially announced, HM will meet Australia’s Welsh-born Prime Minister, Julia Gillard, who is an outspoken republican and has said that the end of QUEEN ELIZABETH II's reign would be “probably the appropriate point for a transition”. Really?

I sincerely trust that, by the Grace of God, the decent people of Australia prove J Gillard, and other committed republicans, wrong.

God Save The Queen.