Wills and Kate talk up Down Under Visit

PRINCE William and his fiancee, Kate Middleton, are considering coming to Australia on their first official tour after marrying next year.

Although royal courtiers in London have been busy planning the couple's April wedding, they have also been given the task of organising their travel itinerary for later in 2011.

And following William's successful visit Down Under in January, when he was mobbed by well-wishers throughout a three-day trip, Australia has emerged as a most likely destination.

A royal insider told The Sunday Age: ''William had a fantastic time when he came earlier in the year and developed a real affinity for Australia and its people.

''It's fair to say many in the royal household were a little surprised, and pleasantly so, at the warmth and size of welcome he received and, with Australia being such an important part of the Commonwealth, it means it is under very serious consideration for the first visit.''

Royal tradition means William and Kate, both 28, will almost certainly tour to a former British colony on their first official overseas trip after their marriage. A spokesman for St James's Palace in London, which is responsible for the Prince's diary, confirmed that William was keen to return.
''Prince William thoroughly enjoyed his visit to Australia in 2010 and has said that one day he would love to come back,'' the spokesman said.

Should the visit go ahead, the arrival of the glamorous couple would dwarf the attention being lavished on TV host Oprah Winfrey, who is touring the country.

With the second in line to the throne being a well-known rugby fan, there has been intense speculation that he will attend next year's World Cup in New Zealand, which begins in September. If he goes to the tournament he would almost certainly include Australia during that antipodean tour.

The protocol surrounding royalty means an invitation would be sent to St James's Palace from the Governor-General on behalf of the government. However, it is unlikely that an invitation would be sent unless the trip had been agreed on by officials in London and Canberra.
It is believed no official invitation has yet been sent from Quentin Bryce's office.

Source: The Age

Cunard confirms royal timetable - Rendezvous in Sydney Harbour

Cunard has confirmed that Queen Mary 2 and Queen Elizabeth will rendezvous in Sydney Harbour at around 7am on February 22 as the cruise industry prepares for another publicity extravaganza.

The ships will initially meet off Sydney Heads shortly before 5.30am before making their way into the harbour. Both will spend the night in Sydney with Queen Mary 2 berthing at Garden Island and Queen Elizabeth at Circular Quay.

Queen Elizabeth will then depart for Melbourne at noon the following day followed at 5.30pm by its larger sister which will head to Christchurch. It will be the first time two Cunard ships have arrived in Sydney simultaneously.

Next month’s visit will be the first for Queen Elizabeth in Australia which is making its maiden round the world voyage after being launched in October.

(Source: Travel Weekly – 20^th January 2011)