Waking from beguilement

November 6, 2025

In 1945, my grandmother gave me “The Two Princesses: The Story of the King’s Daughters”. I cherished the photos of those two special girls. Fed a solid diet of royalism by every one of society’s institutions, I admired Princess, then Queen, Elizabeth. I was one of millions of Australians who saluted the flag, stood for “God Save the Queen” and pledged to serve her.

When, in 1954, Elizabeth visited Australia for the first time, we flocked to see her, as many times as possible.

On 11 November 1975, I heard radio news of the Dismissal. I remember the shock and the tears that followed.

On 12 November, 1975, I cancelled my subscription to The Australian.

On 13 December 1975, I scrutineered for the Labor Party. As the results became clear, I and many around me were in tears.

When the Queen died, I, who had learned more of history and politics and thus become cynical of all things British, nevertheless continuing to respect Elizabeth, felt the foundations shaking.

Now, having listened to two Dismissal podcasts, I vacillate. Skilled actor? Unfortunate puppet? Beguiled, as were we all, by the story we had been fed?

The monarchy has to go.