Crowe has voiced his support for the Queen.
Hollywood star Russell Crowe has entered the debate about Australia’s monarchy by lending his support to the Royalists.
Crowe, who is famous for his role in films such as Gladiator and A Beautiful Mind, was talking to a British newspaper about his love for the Queen and his own British identity: “You can call me a Kiwi or you can call me an Aussie but my family history on both sides is British and it goes back a long way. When you are talking about Queen Elizabeth, I don’t think there is a more gracious world leader.”
Crowe certainly does have an interesting family history. His great-great grandmother was of Maori descent whilst his paternal grandfather was born in Wales. His family also have roots in Scotland, England, Ireland and Norway. Crowe himself was born in Wellington, New Zealand and emigrated to Australia with his family at the age of four. He now lives in Australia permanently, shunning the Hollywood highlife.
On the subject of republicanism, Australians themselves seem undecided. A poll conducted in 2008 found that 45% support the idea of a republic Australia whilst 42% think it should remain a monarchy and 13% are undecided.
Prime Minister Kevin Rudd once declared himself a committed republican, however even he has hesitated to take those first steps towards republicanism. In fact quite the opposite seems to be happening after he extended an invitation to Prince William to visit Australia earlier this year. Many people saw that as a growing indication that Rudd is keen to strengthen the bonds between Australia and the UK.
Meanwhile Russell Crowe extols the virtues of the Royal Family, calling both Prince Charles and Andrew “intelligent and kind men.” Mind you, Crowe is in Britain to try and promote his new film Robin Hood and what better way to generate a bit of publicity than to make flattering remarks about that country’s monarchy?
Whether his views will have any sway with the Australian people remains to be seen, but it doesn’t look like Australia is ready to cut her ties with the UK any time soon.
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3 Responses to “Russell Crowe Lends His Support to the UK Monarchy”
Comment by Royalist — May 3, 2010 @ 11:07 am
How could you write that Crowe was lending his support to the republicans, when it is so obvious from everything he says that he supports the Monarchy?
That would coincide with previous statements indicating that he was against Australia becoming a republic.
In 1999 the Australian people voted 54% for and 46% against the Monarchy. Eleven years on the republicans haven’t gained any ground. That’s why Rudd does not take the risk of losing another referendum on the Monarchy.
Comment by Lisa Valentine — May 3, 2010 @ 4:54 pm
Republicans? Royalists surely! Well spotted.
Comment by 20yr old — May 5, 2010 @ 7:18 am
Republicans lost the referendum in 1999. Why cant they just leave the rest of us alone!!! In fact the younger generations are less inclined to vote for a republic, most of the people ive spoken to think Australia is safer as a monarchy, as well as recent polls showing suppourt for a republic is lower amongst the younger generations.