Royal Watch News
Queen snubbed at games
Feb 28, 2006, 15:31 GMT
A row has broken out in Australia over a decision to drop the British national anthem, 'God Save the Queen', from the opening ceremony of the Commonwealth Games - despite the fact that Queen Elizabeth II will be present.
The monarch, who is head of the Commonwealth, will officially open the games in Melbourne in March - but organisers have confirmed 'Advance Australia Fair' will be the only anthem played.
The decision has angered traditional monarchists - who believe the queen has been snubbed. But republicans in the country - who have long pressed for her to be replaced as head of state by an Australian - are pleased with the decision. One supporter of Elizabeth, David Flint - who runs Australians for a Constitutional Monarchy - said it could be the queen's last visit because she turns 80 later this year. He said: 'It seems ungracious, not so much even to the queen, but people at the ceremony and those watching around the world.' But the Australian Republican Movement's national director, Allison Henry, said Games organisers had made the correct decision. He said: 'It's a logical decision. After all it is an Australian event. 'I think more Australians know the words to Advance Australia Fair rather than God Save the Queen.' Buckingham Palace said it is 'more than happy' with the decision to play only the Australian anthem, the national AAP news agency reported.Copyright 2006 BANG Media International
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Older Talkback
page: 1
I too am Australian and was equally outraged at the decision NOT to play God Save The Queen in the presence of Her Majesty.
It is an emotive and misleading argument to state that the Commonwealth Games are an Australian event. When were the Commonwealth Games renamed the Australian Games, or did I miss that announcement?
If the games are purely Australian and it is therefore appropriate to play only the Australian national anthem it would follow that every winning athlete will have to hear only the Australian anthem, no matter their country of origin?
The Commonwealth Games are an international event being held in Australia are are a celebration of belonging to the Commonwealth of Nations, the former British Empire. The Queen is the Head of the Commonwealth, surely it is only logical to pay recognition to the head of the association which has gathered the athletes and spectators together.
People need to lay their republican sentiments aside in this matter and respectfully declare, God Save The Queen.
page: 1
.......Mar 1st, 2006 - 00:45:57
i am an Australian and i am outraged that they would even consider playing god save the queen or what ever it is!!! IT IS AN AUSTRALIAN EVENT SO WE SHOULD PLAY THE AUSTRALIAN ANTHEM IF WE DID NOT PLAY ADVANCE AUSTRALIA FAIR THEN THERE WOULD NOT BE ANY SINGING AT ALL!!
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