CANBERRA - Australian republicans have been delighted by the news that Camilla Parker Bowles will become Queen when Prince Charles ascends the throne.
Using British statistics on average life expectancy and the deep unpopularity of Charles and Camilla, the Australian Republicans for an Australian President yesterday forecast the end ofthe antipodean monarchy within a decade.
"Having King Charles as the Australian head of state and Camilla as his bridal Queen will guarantee the success of any future referendum for an Australian republic," said national convener Paul Tully.
The push for a republic collapsed at a referendum in 1999, when Australians could not agree on how a president should be appointed.
The latest news has republicans rubbing their hands with glee.
"The English Government's current life expectancy tables show Queen Elizabeth will have only 9.28 years to live when she turns 79 next month," Tully said.
"It is 10 years and counting down to an Australian republic."
