In any game of cards you need to recognise a good deal, and then know when and how to play your strongest hand.
Case in point – although this was a second date – Great Britain’s King Charles, Queen Camilla, and the Prince and Princess of Wales were out to impress President Trump during his recent state visit and give their guests a royal experience that a business mogul just cannot buy. This power pack of regal representatives are well versed in flattery and quirkiness, and have the ability to smooth over those pesky political sticking points. Castles, carriages, beefeaters, banquets, tradition and finery were all beautifully packaged and delivered. The UK rolled out the royals, played their best hand and won the round, or at least enough to stay in the game and avoid a Trump tariff hike.
Photo by Daniel Torok – Wikimedia Commons
Australia – these are our royals too – our King and Queen – so why aren’t we using them? The UK and Australia are connected by tradition, monarchy, foundational principles and a Union Jack in the flag, we need to cosy up and share this important resource. The King and Queen are at our service, let’s roll ’em out along with the red carpet.
For some reason we have failed to identify what a strong position Australia is in, this is no time for bluffing, shuffling about or hoping for a better deal. We already have a seat at the table – I can’t understand why we are looking to play a different game and throw away this God-given opportunity.
If we are worried about not having the right stuff to impress a President – I would point out we do have castles, a wealth of military ceremony and the iconic and sadly missed Crocodile Hunter. For quirkiness and our own take on visitor traditions – perhaps a cute quokka selfie with Malania, this would easily beat (or dare I say trump) one with a beefeater, and I reckon a banquet that includes a double croc burger and fries would satisfy the American President’s legendary love of fast food.
Sometimes in life we are genuinely dealt a bad hand and then we need to use wit and strategy to try and make the best of it. So come on Australia – when we already have the picture cards, the high status ones, the King, the Queen and the Jack – what are we waiting for? If we don’t use our Royals – we might as well raise our hands and fold.
P Gilchrist 
Leigh Jurd 
Alby 
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