In a new opinion poll Australians have rejected Camilla, the Duchess of Cornwall, as Queen by 52 to 29 percent. With 19 percent undecided, this represents a worsening of the Monarchist position Down Under.

In the 1999 referendum, 46 percent wanted a republic but failed to reach the 50 percent needed.

This will heighten the debate when the Queen visits Australia in March ahead of her 80th birthday in April.

Lavish plans have been laid for the Queen’s 80th birthday celebrations, which will be the biggest bash since the Jubilee.

The family celebration, spread over a week this summer, will be held on board the luxury cruise liner, Hebridean Princess, in the absence of the Royal Yacht Britannia, now retired. The Queen has forked out £125,000 to hire the vessel at the end of August, plus £1500 for each guest aboard.

However, Prince Charles and Camilla will remain at Balmoral, except for the actual celebration, when they will join the Royal party. It’s thought that Camilla might find a whole week on board rather claustrophobic.

As a mark of respect to his father, The Prince of Wales, Prince Harry has invited Camilla, known as the Duchess of Cornwall, to the Sovereign’s Parade at Sandhurst Military Academy in April, when he passes out from the gruelling 44-week course.

The 21-year-old Prince, who once said of Camilla “We love her to bits”, is hoping to be awarded the Sword of Honour at the ceremony.

Cadets are allowed only two guests. Harry has chosen Charles and Camilla to attend both the ceremony and the dinner afterwards.

Prince William has just begun his stay at Sandhurst and is currently immersed in the first five-week marathon, notorious for its difficulty.

Sophie, the Countess of Wessex, was born 41 years ago today. The official Royal website informs us:

Born on 20 January 1965 at the Radcliffe Infirmary, Oxford, Miss Sophie Rhys-Jones is the only daughter of Mr. and the late Mrs. Christopher Rhys-Jones, and younger sister of David.

In 1999 Miss Rhys-Jones married HRH The Earl of Wessex in St. George’s Chapel, Windsor Castle. As HRH The Countess of Wessex, she undertakes public duties for her own charities, and acts in support of her husband in his roles.

On his marriage to Miss Sophie Rhys-Jones in 1999, he was created The Earl of Wessex and Viscount Severn. At the same time it was announced that His Royal Highness will be given the title Duke of Edinburgh in due course, when the present title now held by Prince Philip eventually reverts to the Crown.