Karl Stefanovic speaks out against 'rude' act before Queen's funeral
- Replies 43
The death of Queen Elizabeth II has been a sensitive time. She has been a symbol of stability for the Commonwealth for decades and her death is mourned by many.
The late Queen was a much-loved figurehead, and her passing no doubt brought up many emotions for those who have been loyal to her and the monarchy. It is a time to reflect on her legacy and, for some, to think about the future of the monarchy.
As many mourn the passing of the late monarch, some groups have reignited debates on whether the Commonwealth monarchy should be abolished in Australia in favour of a republic.
The Australian Republic Movement has come under fire from Today Show hosts Karl Stefanovic and Allison Langdon for openly debating a referendum before Queen Elizabeth II was even been laid to rest.
Karl lashed out at the group stating that it was unacceptable to bring up such topics during a time of loss and grief.
Karl called out the Australian Republic Movement for its inappropriate discussion of the new Australian Republic at a time of mourning. Credit: Nine.
The anchor lashed out, mentioning founding member Malcolm Turnbull and Australian Republic Movement Chair Peter FitzSimons, husband of former Today host Lisa Wilkinson, as the movement's 'pasty white guys' who will bring the movement to its demise.
He said: 'There's still people out there doing it. I just think it's so rude.'
'Let me tell you, it is not going to happen while you've got pasty white guys like Peter FitzSimons and Malcolm Turnbull fronting up in Australia.'
His co-host, Allison, agreed with Karl's comments, saying: 'I did tell Peter if he was at the front of the movement, I would always vote for a monarchy.'
The Australian Republic Movement has since temporarily suspended its efforts to lobby for the establishment of a new Australian Republic until after the late Queen's funeral.
FitzSimons has previously been openly critical of King Charles III and stated in an interview with the Daily Mail earlier this year that he anticipated a republican sentiment to 'get a surge once Australia leans in close and looks at' the new monarch.
Despite being married to Peter, Lisa Wilkinson was sent to London to cover the Queen's passing and funeral for The Project.
Lisa Wilkinson was sent to London to cover the Queen’s death and funeral despite being married to ARM Chair Peter FitzSimons. Credit: Yahoo! via Getty Images.
The Australian reports that Channel Ten insisted Lisa was always the best candidate to send to London because she covered both Prince Harry and Meghan Markle's wedding and Prince William and Kate Middleton's wedding and has a wealth of knowledge about the royal family thanks to her experience as a magazine editor.
It's unclear whether Lisa agrees with her husband's strong opinions on the subject.
The monarchy has been a controversial institution at timesand there are valid arguments for and against its existence and influence in Australia. However, many people are still grieving the loss of a beloved monarch and discussions of the future of Australia are a sensitive subject.
As we mourn Queen Elizabeth II, it is important that we pay our respects to her and her service to the Commonwealth. She was a widely-respected monarch who was loved by many and her death has caused many to grieve her loss. She was a strong leader who made a lasting impact on the world.
Do you share the same sentiments as Karl? Share your thoughts with us in the comments below.
The late Queen was a much-loved figurehead, and her passing no doubt brought up many emotions for those who have been loyal to her and the monarchy. It is a time to reflect on her legacy and, for some, to think about the future of the monarchy.
As many mourn the passing of the late monarch, some groups have reignited debates on whether the Commonwealth monarchy should be abolished in Australia in favour of a republic.
The Australian Republic Movement has come under fire from Today Show hosts Karl Stefanovic and Allison Langdon for openly debating a referendum before Queen Elizabeth II was even been laid to rest.
Karl lashed out at the group stating that it was unacceptable to bring up such topics during a time of loss and grief.
Karl called out the Australian Republic Movement for its inappropriate discussion of the new Australian Republic at a time of mourning. Credit: Nine.
The anchor lashed out, mentioning founding member Malcolm Turnbull and Australian Republic Movement Chair Peter FitzSimons, husband of former Today host Lisa Wilkinson, as the movement's 'pasty white guys' who will bring the movement to its demise.
He said: 'There's still people out there doing it. I just think it's so rude.'
'Let me tell you, it is not going to happen while you've got pasty white guys like Peter FitzSimons and Malcolm Turnbull fronting up in Australia.'
His co-host, Allison, agreed with Karl's comments, saying: 'I did tell Peter if he was at the front of the movement, I would always vote for a monarchy.'
The Australian Republic Movement has since temporarily suspended its efforts to lobby for the establishment of a new Australian Republic until after the late Queen's funeral.
FitzSimons has previously been openly critical of King Charles III and stated in an interview with the Daily Mail earlier this year that he anticipated a republican sentiment to 'get a surge once Australia leans in close and looks at' the new monarch.
Despite being married to Peter, Lisa Wilkinson was sent to London to cover the Queen's passing and funeral for The Project.
Lisa Wilkinson was sent to London to cover the Queen’s death and funeral despite being married to ARM Chair Peter FitzSimons. Credit: Yahoo! via Getty Images.
The Australian reports that Channel Ten insisted Lisa was always the best candidate to send to London because she covered both Prince Harry and Meghan Markle's wedding and Prince William and Kate Middleton's wedding and has a wealth of knowledge about the royal family thanks to her experience as a magazine editor.
It's unclear whether Lisa agrees with her husband's strong opinions on the subject.
The monarchy has been a controversial institution at timesand there are valid arguments for and against its existence and influence in Australia. However, many people are still grieving the loss of a beloved monarch and discussions of the future of Australia are a sensitive subject.
As we mourn Queen Elizabeth II, it is important that we pay our respects to her and her service to the Commonwealth. She was a widely-respected monarch who was loved by many and her death has caused many to grieve her loss. She was a strong leader who made a lasting impact on the world.
Do you share the same sentiments as Karl? Share your thoughts with us in the comments below.
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