Leaders insist King needed as Commonwealth head
The King received a chorus of support from fellow world leaders today who praised his convening power and insisted the Commonwealth still needed him as a royal head.
Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said of the King’s most recent visit to his country: “It was a very successful and he is always a welcome visitor in Australia. There’s a great deal of mutual affection that Australians have for His Majesty and His Majesty has for Australia.
“Of course with his background, he came to school there and he takes a keen interest. We talk regularly, we spoke about this nature initiative by phone a little while ago. So it’s a strong relationship.
“I think the Commonwealth can play a role as stable. It brings together 56 countries from all over the world, a majority of nations in the Pacific islands…. Our participation here gives us connections with the Caribbean, with African nation, with nations who aren’t part of the forums in our region…
“The King] brings leadership and you can have different positions. Look, my party supports a republic but the system that we have doesn’t mean we don’t have respect for His Majesty and the role that he plays.
“He’s pushing his agenda of action on the environment, on nature and urban development, the urban environment, on claimants change, are all significant issues the world is facing. On a range of issues he is forthright and I think that is a positive thing.”
