h2g2 The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy: Earth Edition

Make that: The Queen has now moved on to Australia where she will be welcomed by that countries Governor-General, a man under pressure to resign because he allegedly turned a blind eye to cases of sex abuse by priests in his former job as a presbyterian archbishop.

Does the Gov-Gen in NZ get as much press as the aus one?

As with most of the top positions in Godzone, the New Zealand GG is a woman. Dame Silvia Cartwright, the incumbant, before taking up her current appointment, was one of the country's top judges. On the few occassions she says anything in public, she comes across as more regal than the actual Queen

Does the good Dame, like her Majesty, wear matching hat and purse ensembles as well?

And no doubt that infuriates Helen.
How did the press like lizzies trip? Are they as bad as the tabloids here in the UK about how worthwhile (or worthless) the monarchy is? (then again given president blair...)

Good that the gym session was OK. Are you having to go regularly now for that Loony?

Yes, and she even has the obligatory white wavy hair. FG, you and helen are almost sisters.

Our beloved leader celebrated (probably with a dozen bottles of chardonney and a jog up a mountainside) her 51st birthday yeaterday.

Lil, not been anywhere near Hollis, although I have had the pleasure of skiing in Tahoe, which my rather sketchy geography (Where is spain exactly?) indicates may be a bit further west than your charming abode. Have played a bit around Panama City (FLA) and San Diego, but unless the tide comes in rather a long way may just drop in unannounced one day!
You Antipodeans look after the Boss, she is nothing if not a firm believer in the democratic process, and I whole heartedly echo Lils line on etiquette and politeness.
Sun down and all is well, Wales may even give Italy a good game on Sat.

PS Amy, always room for an Ant - GI Jane eat your heart out!

OP, that Daily Telegraph article summed up NZ and its attitudes to the monarchy pretty well. Most people realise it is pretty ridiculous but no one is really pushing for Godzone to become a republic. "If it aint broke, don't fix it" is a pretty general feeling.

When (if) Australia becomes a republic, NZ will follow pretty quickly.

What I thought Loony. I'd give it 10 years, 15 at the most for aus myself.

Did I read that correctly, Loony? Helen Clark and *I* are almost like sisters?

Our treatment of Hollywood stars pretty well demonstrates that Americans wish they had a monarch. Big Electra complex.

Looney, wait for Day 3.

FG, I was commenting (obviously badly) on the closeness of yours and Helen's birthdays.

OP, I'm not sure how many times I have to visit the gym. So far, I've got two appointments next week.

Lil, Day 3?

On the midday news here today one of our TV channels surveyed some females about Helen's decision to wear trousers (pants) to the State Banquet. All the young ones agreed with her choice. Words like "she looked stunning" and "she looked smashing" were used. Older women disagreed. The words "disrespect" and "not etiquette" were used.

They then interviewed Helen. She said: "I suspect some women are a little bit jealous because they can't wear trousers".

Was that comment aimed at Her Majesty, do you think?

Day 3 is when the pain comes.

For awhile there I was off to find pictures of the Honorable Ms. Clark.

Surely in this day and age it is alright for women to wear trousers--oh! the horror--in the presence of (diminished) royalty. But then again some of us are still wearing burqas.

Lil, I think Helen's barb was aimed at her predeccessor as PM, the Right Honourable (and quite large), Jenny Shipley, who was also in attendance at the banquet.

The pain, the pain. Sob.

Thinking about it, I guess the Queen wears trousers (or pants of some description) when out riding with her hounds in hot pursuit of foxes.

nothing to add to the conversation, just saying hello....

Hello back

Certainly etiquette should be updated with the times. There is no reason the queen should insist on adherence to late 19th century etiquette now that we are in the 21st. Women have been wearing pants for longer than I've been alive.

If you really want to cause offence, come to dinner in bikini bottoms.