you're right, Fionn, here's what the syd morning herald says...

Republicans claim support surge
February 11, 2005 - 7:34PM

Australia's republican movement enjoyed a massive surge of support after the announcement that Prince Charles would marry Camilla Parker Bowles.... While prominent republicans were quick to congratulate the couple, closet republicans flocked to the Australian Republican Movement (ARM) website, citing the heir to the British throne's engagement to his long-term mistress as the "last straw". It was the biggest single catalyst for joining since Charles' son, Prince Harry, enjoyed a partially taxpayer-funded visit to Australia 18 months ago.
"We've obviously got the phone ringing off the hook," ARM director Allison (Allison) Henry told AAP.

"It's our biggest 12-hour increase in membership since news broke of Australian taxpayers footing the bill for security on Prince Harry's trip here 18 months ago." ...
The country towns of Alice Springs in the Northern Territory and Gunning in NSW, both of which are on his itinerary, are vying to throw the prince a buck's party.....

maybe it will be Camilla, Queen of the desert....





© 2005 AAP