Letters: Prince Andrew claims stir republic rumblings

Today readers have their say on Prince Andrew and the republic debate, and anger at the run of bank scandals.

Prince Charles, Queen Elizabeth and Prince Andrew, Picture: Daniel Leal-Olivas/ AFP

SINCE Prince Andrew appeared in the embarrassing TV interview, I have been wondering how long it would take before the old “we should be a republic” idea would raise its ugly head.

Columnist David Penberthy’s claim that “the royals have added nothing to Australia” (C-M, Nov 22) could not be further from the truth.

Take, for example, Prince Harry’s Invictus Games, which have undoubtedly saved the lives of some of our returned veterans by giving them a reason to live and a sense of purpose and belonging, which is something that our Department of Veterans Affairs does not appear to be doing as well as it could.

All of the young royals’ tireless work to shine a light on mental illness and encouraging more conversation around the topic cannot be understated.

As for the Queen, this amazing woman continues to be the most incredible role model to men and women around the world thanks to her indefatigable work ethic and the fact that she is a shining example of grace, dignity and humour at all times.

The royal family, just like any other family, is made up of humans.

There are undoubtedly times when Her Majesty is reminded of the old adage, “You can choose your friends but you can’t choose your family.”

Carol da Costa-Roque, Annerley

THE involvement of the eighth person in line to be our Head of State, Prince Andrew, in the squalid Jeffrey Epstein scandal merely underlines the silliness of having

the British monarchy at the apex of our government, but it is no justification in itself for Australia becoming a republic.

Australia becoming a republic is about what is best for our country. It is not about the behaviour or popularity of particular members of the British royal family.

That is why, in the end, it must come down to what republic model best serves our interests.

A republic must add value to our system of government. It needs to be democratic, which means our Head of State must be directly elected by the people. The irony is that England might beat Australia in becoming a republic, judging by recent events.

David Muir, chair, Real Republic Australia, Indooroopilly

LOOKING like a deer caught in the headlights (of the world’s public and media glare), Prince Andrew has stood aside from royal duties, possibly until the Palace considers people have forgotten about his Jeffrey Epstein connection.

He will still be paid a king’s ransom, to do what exactly?

Such incredibly privileged people seem to have little shame, even if he has been accused of nothing except his bad choice in “friends”.

It is perception, once again, that has tainted him for sponsors and the public generally.

Though one would have to be exceedingly naive to befriend and have photos taken anywhere near a convicted pedophile.

Claire Jolliffe, Buderim

*********

Westpac CEO Brian Hartzer. Picture: AAP Image/Lukas Coch

ANGER AT BANKS GROWS

IT SEEMS the big bosses and boards of directors of financial institutions haven’t learnt anything from the banking royal commission.

They still receive hefty remuneration packages while having trouble paying back customers what they are due and using the excuse that it is a complex issue.

It wasn’t complex thinking up ways to rip-off unsuspecting people (including dead people) of their hard-earned money.

Now we have Westpac CEO Brian Hartzer saying he wants to stay and repair the damage (C-M, Nov 21) made under his watch.

I think the heads of some of the bosses of the banking regulators should be on the chopping block as well. They stood by and did nothing and now want praise for bringing the banks back in order. If they were doing their job properly maybe this situation wouldn’t have happened.

While all this is happening, the share prices of many financial institutions have dropped and so have the returns of millions of shareholders.

I wonder how all this has affected my superannuation returns.

You may have guessed I’m angry.

Neil Evans, Redbank Plains

**********

Join the conversation. Send your letters to couriermail.com.au/letters or email to [e-mail]