No Gifts For Royal Couple

The Age

Thursday April 7, 2005

RICHARD MACEY

WHEN Prince Charles married Diana Spencer in 1981, Australia showered them with wedding gifts. But it seems Australian taxpayers won't be burdened when Prince Charles marries again on Saturday, this time to Camilla Parker Bowles.

The Victorian Government said yesterday a gift was a federal responsibility, but despite repeated calls to the Prime Minister's office, no one could say what, if any, gift the Federal Government had chosen.

Asked what NSW would be sending, Premier Bob Carr's spokeswoman, Amanda Lampe, said: "We are sending our love and best wishes."

Only Queensland's Premier, Peter Beattie, has announced an official present. Not that the royal couple are ever likely to use it. Government apprentices will shape recycled timber into a garden seat for Brisbane's Prince Charles Hospital.

"The seat is something that can be enjoyed by the people of Queensland, as an alternative to sending a gift to the couple," Mr Beattie said. "I have asked that the budget be limited to $500 to $700."

© 2005 The Age

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