New Zealand to Keep Queen Elizabeth II as Head of State

Wednesday April 21st marks Queen Elizabeth II’s 84th birthday, and she got quite a present!

In New Zealand, the MPs through out a referendum that was meant to abolish the monarchy. It was voted down 68 to 53 in its first read. Disgruntled republicans are pointing the finger at the Queen’s grandson, Prince William, because his visit to the country likely boosted interest in the royal family.

“We think that’s down to a visit by a certain Prince William in January,” said Lewis Holden, chairman of the nation’s Republican Movement. “That’s why Buckingham Palace sent him out here.”

A poll showed that support for a republic went from 47 percent in 2008 to 37 percent just after William’s visit. At the same time, 51 percent of Kiwis wanted to keep the monarchy.

When broken down by gender, more women then men want to keep the Queen as their head of state.

Despite this defeat, many New Zealanders feel someday they will become a republic. Some say it might happen when Prince William’s father, Prince Charles, becomes King.

“The question many New Zealanders ask is: why should we have a head of state on the other side of the world who is not a citizen of our country?” said Green MP Keith Locke.

“The present Queen has been competent in the performance of her duties and she turns 84 this very day. I wish her a happy birthday.”

Filed under The United Kingdom
Tagged Commonwealth of Nations, Elizabeth II of the United Kingdom, New Zealand, Republicanism, The Duke of Cambridge.

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