The timing could not be better, declared the editor of Sydney's Daily Telegaph on 29 April, 2011.
“Just as Prince William and Kate Middleton this week counted down the hours to tonight's royal wedding, a poll of Australians revealed that support for a republic had sunk to levels not known for 17 years. “This should subtract any widespread republican bitterness from tonight's vows.
“In a way, the republican question has now resolved into a perfect compromise.
“We get to have our independence – in all but name, Australia essentially functions as a republic – while still rejoicing in royal pageantry and ceremony.”
A crowned republic, no doubt