Seggie. I agree with you, Phyl. She has always had my admiration, the same as her father and mother did. I remember how they stayed where they were during the war. At her age, I think she's incredible, no matter how much help she may get. I'm sure this will be her last visit and a curtsy is not much to ask. It is an acknowledge of her years of service as far as I'm concerned.  In the passing of time, I'm sure we all realise that Australia will become a Republic and good luck to those who want it. I won't be here to see it.

^5 Seggie Weggie - Nice to see you matey.

I'm sure she meant no disrespect, although I think

it has been blown out of perspective by the media,

who tend to totally ignore Julia's explanation, and

those with their own agenda.

There is a choice of curtsy or handshake, whichever

you are comfortable with, if you noticed the Queen

put out her hand and it was shaken. In this day and age

a lot of the old ways have gone or are disappearing,

touching the forelock to the master went decades ago.

a handshake and "'Ow are ya mate" is all that is needed.

That's the Australian way.

At Seth and Fwed.

"I feel with the Queen being 85 years of age and our Queen for 60 years or so Julia >representing all of us so not just herself as our Prime Minister could,  and even maybe should, have curtsied

and showed legs re a skirt or dress and definitely a hat,  out of respect for the Queen and also respect for us whom she is representing."

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It is a shame that much of the elegance and tradition of yesteryear is disappearing, as I think it leaves us looking a bit gauche in comparison with some other nations, who have hundreds of years of tradition behind them.

I agree it would have added  an extra 'something' had there been a curtsy.

I also think that the PM could have dressed a lot more stylishly for the occasion, as she did for the Royal wedding.

No matter which way she dressed or whether she curtsied or not ,someone would have found something to complain about. I think maybe she has realised that you cant please all the peple all the time,so at least be true to yourself.Why should we namby pamby to someone just because they are queen and 85 years old, The queen has been very well looked after all her lifeliving in absolute luxury and travelling the world with people pandering to her every whim. I agree with Fwed on this one im afraid,show respect but do it in an Australian way.I would sooner curtsy to the 85 year old lady who still volunteers every week at Vinnies for nothing just a cup of tea and some company  Wobbly

Winston Churchill was correct about Australians.....this proves it for once and for all.

I agree with you Wobbly.  And also, the amount of money spent on Royal visits is astounding for the short amount of time they are here.

In WA, due to their visit and CHOGM, huge, huge amounts of money has been spent just for a few days.  I'm sure the Queen wouldnt care if the brick paving at Parliament House was old or new........it's ridiculous.......

I dont like all the pomp and circumstance given to any one person.......queen, king, celebrities etc.........such a waste of money that could be spent on far more important things.

Davey......lets not forget also that Australians were correct about Winston Churchill. He would have happily allowed Australia to be overrun by the Japanese in WW11 to protect his beloved England.

Personally, I bend my knee to no-one and believe that I am representative of most Aussies. The Queen, the Pope, Obama etc., etc...... they all put the same thing on their toilet paper that I do. Respect is one thing, subservience quite another.

Seggie again. Now read this. I am not subservient to anyone.  I'm me and I respect me. I do respect the Queen and of course I realise that she eats better than I do, etc.etc. but that makes no difference to the way I respect her. I would not want her job for anything in the world. Personally I'd rather give the Queen and P.P. a cup of tea and a Tim Tam.  How glad am I that I wasn't born into that position.

Whilst I think some of the pomp could disappear, it's tradition and being old, I love it but all of you who do not respect the Queen, you'll get your way when Australia becomes a Republic one day.

Davey, my English father didn't like Winston either so you don't have that on your own.

I think I usually sign off saying love to all but I'm not sure, oh darn, yes I will. Love to all. Smile, tomorrow will be a pleasant day.

Seggie, I meant no disrespect to the queen and in fact, I do have great respect for her. While I also agree that her job is quite onerous, the wealth and power that goes with it would be quite welcome. My point is that respect ought to be shown, but curtsies, bows, bended knees etc., all signify subservience and acknowledges that the person has dominion over me. That is just my personal opinion.

I would also show respect to the queen, the Pope, heads of state etc., etc., but I would not bow or kneel before them.......that honour I reserve for my God (if there is one).

Seggie again. You will probably get sick of me now that I'm back.

kfchugo.  Not sure if you are a 'he' or a 'her'. Whatever, what about a cuddle if you are a 'him'.  One must keep their sense of humour otherwise I'd never have got through life.  A cup of tea with the Queen would have been lovely and we could have discussed roses. If I had the opportunity of meeting the Queen, I'd probably want to give her a cuddle and maybe P.P. too.  I think he would be such fun. Nothing like a man with a glint in his eye.  See, maybe I'm not that old? Oh boy. I am glad I'm me. Forget the bended knees though or bows. I'll curtsy for you all. Come on now, laugh with me.

Seggie again. You will probably get sick of me now that I'm back.

kfchugo.  Not sure if you are a 'he' or a 'her'. Whatever, what about a cuddle if you are a 'him'.  One must keep their sense of humour otherwise I'd never have got through life.  A cup of tea with the Queen would have been lovely and we could have discussed roses. If I had the opportunity of meeting the Queen, I'd probably want to give her a cuddle and maybe P.P. too.  I think he would be such fun. Nothing like a man with a glint in his eye.  See, maybe I'm not that old? Oh boy. I am glad I'm me. Forget the bended knees though or bows. I'll curtsy for you all. Come on now, laugh with me.