AUSTRALIANS 'WON'T DITCH MONARCHY'

Kate and William 'very popular with public' as republicanism declines

- David Williamson

AUSTRALIA will not ditch the monarchy to become a republic during the lifetimes of the Prince and Princess of Wales, it is claimed.

Former prime minister Tony Abbott is one of several leading Aussies to declare their confidence in their countrymen and women not abandoning their historic links to the Crown.

They point to the enduring affection for the King and Queen, who won hearts and minds during a tour Down Under last year, as well as the huge popularity of William and Kate.

And champions of the monarchy say they can rely on the good sense of Aussies, who do not want a politician as president, to prevent a breaking of its royal connection. Mr Abbott told the Sunday Express: "I am sure the common sense of the Australian people means that a republic will never happen in my country and in any event, Wills and Kate are overwhelmingly the most popular members of the Royal Family." Research showed support for a republic had gone into reverse since a 1999 referendum on Australia's status as a constitutional monarchy.

The bond between the country and the Crown was turbo-charged last year when Charles and Camilla visited after doctors gave the go-ahead to the historic royal tour, the King's first after treatment for cancer.

William and Kate, who has also battled cancer in the past year, have been advised to spend as much time as possible in this key Commonwealth state to further strengthen the connections.