Commonwealth Day 2020 was held on 9 March 2020. Commonwealth Day is meant to be a day of observance by approximately one billion people of their common bonds and the contribution of the Commonwealth of Nations to the creation of a harmonious global environment. However, the only activity connected to Commonwealth Day appears to be the British royal family attending a church service.
Reminds me of the total lack of celebrations in Australia for the Queen’s 2012 Diamond Jubilee. All this makes a mockery of the Commonwealth Secretariat establishing as this year’s theme of “A Connected Commonwealth”.
The Australian Republic Movement (ARM) has welcomed the announcement from the Duke and Duchess of Sussex that they’re planning to step back from the British Monarchy and go their own way, and offered them Life Membership of the ARM. Peter FitzSimons, National Chair, Australian Republic Movement, said:
Harry and Meghan have said they’re distancing themselves from the British Monarchy because they want to earn their own keep, and be more ‘progressive’. They’ve effectively said they’ve outgrown the British Monarchy, and we in Australia can certainly relate to that.
Harry and Meghan clearly formed the view that the British monarchy was out of step with
modern democratic values and most Australians feel the same way. Prince William and Kate had been planning a visit to Australia – although coronavirus has now clouded that decision – showing how out-of-touch they were. Even while Australians were suffering through bushfires and floods, Australia was still receiving requests for Australian taxpayer-funded royal visits. Royal visits to Australia have previously cost millions, that money could be far better spent helping the victims of these tragic natural disasters.
Rather ironical that the last event as a senior royal is participation in Commonwealth Day service at Westminster Abbey before they return to their Commonwealth hide-out.
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