EDITORIAL: Reason for titles not convincing

IN NOVEMBER, New Zealanders will vote in the first of two referendums to decide whether we replace a flag that features the Union Jack. The implications for our ties with Britain are apparent.

Around the same time, the Prince of Wales will be publicly recognised as Admiral of the Fleet of the Royal New Zealand Navy, New Zealand Army Field Marshal, and Marshal of the Royal New Zealand Air Force. The titles are honorary, but some will see them as a colonial hangover, like the present flag.

The occasion may give focus for the visit of Prince Charles and Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall.

Certainly, no other compelling reason has been given for it.

There was only a reference to the Prince's limited military career and the Prime Minister's view that a speech by him at this year's Gallipoli commemoration demonstrated "deep empathy and understanding" for the contribution and sacrifice of NZ's Defence Force personnel.

That is about as convincing as the spurious reasons given three years ago when the Duke of Edinburgh was elevated to the Order of New Zealand, our highest honour.

It has always seemed peculiar that John Key would sanction such appointments, along with restoring of the royal honours system, while championing the idea of a new flag and acknowledging the inevitability of a republic.

Establishment of a republic when the Queen's long reign ended seemed likely.

All that changed with the visits of Prince William in 2011 in the wake of the Christchurch earthquakes and Pike River tragedy, and last year with his wife, Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge, and son, Prince George.

Prince Harry followed in May. Both princes offered a different style - engaging, apparently genuine and, in wearing their privilege casually, able to interact comfortably with ordinary New Zealanders. But the goodwill the brothers have generated cannot be taken for granted. The debates over a new national anthem and flag indicate that interest in an unambiguous national identity remains.

-NZME