Charles may not become king of Oz

Mar 15, 2006, 14:53 GMT

Britain's Prince Charles may never become King of Australia - according to the country's Prime Minister.

John Howard, a monarchist, said: 'I do not believe Australia will become a republic while the queen in on the throne.'

But, he added: 'Beyond that, I don't know.'

His comments, in a BBC interview, will re-ignite the republican debate in Australia - which has been widely publicised due to Queen Elizabeth II's visit to the country.

Mr Howard oversaw Australia's 1999 referendum on whether the queen should be ditched as head of state in favour of becoming a republic. The republican vote was lost, despite many being in favour.

Asked whether he believed the prince would not be king, Mr Howard replied: 'No, I think that is reading too much into what I've said.'

He said a constitutional monarchy was, 'a very good institution for delivering a non-political head of state' and admitted it would be hard to find 'a system which delivers such a stable situation as the present one'.

The queen herself has hinted that Australia is well equipped for independence from the British throne. She told 300 guests at a banquet in Canberra: 'Australia in the course of my lifetime has firmly established itself amongst the most respected nations of the world.

'I am clear that this country is already a key global player in the 21st century, a voice of wisdom and honesty, a tough and dependable operator in our exciting, fast-moving world.

'I welcome the chance to express once again my admiration and affection for Australians everywhere; and I thank you above all for this opportunity to reaffirm my confidence in the future of this great country.'

In her post-referendum visit in 2000, the Queen made clear that it was up to the people to decide on the issue of becoming a republic.

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