Japan’s Crown Prince Naruhito and Crown Princess Masako at their residence Togu Palace in Tokyo, Feb. 17, 2019.
Imperial Household Agency of Japan/Handout via Reuters
Japan’s 86-year-old Emperor Akihito abdicates on April 30 — an exceedingly rare event for this ancient monarchy. Can his son, Prince Naruhito, give Japan’s royal family a modern makeover?
As prime minister, republican Malcolm Turnbull said there would be no more moves towards an Australian head of state while Queen Elizabeth remained on the throne.
AAP/Ward/WENN.com
Bill Shorten is committed to an Australian head of state, but it will likely take lost priority to constitutional recognition of Indigenous Australians.
Australia’s head of state Queen Elizabeth is aged 92. Source: Treasury.
Labor says if it wins office at the upcoming federal election, in its first term it will offer Australians a chance to vote to become a republic – but in a two-step voting process.
When considering this question, we need to distinguish between the pomposities of monarchies and the purpose they serve as checks on untrammelled authoritarianism.
Monarchs and prime ministers have spent centuries working out which decisions need to be made in public.
Australia’s Constitution vests executive power in the Queen and says that that power is exercised ‘on her behalf’ by the governor-general.
AAP/Alan Porritt
Ben Carrington, USC Annenberg School for Communication and Journalism
Much of the Harry and Meghan coverage has ignored the royal family’s complicated history with race and “blood” and its insistence on continuing outdated traditions.
Prince Harry is to marry Meghan Markle in May 2018.
Dominic Lipinski/PA Wire