Philip Benwell, MBE

He had earlier coordinated the Queen Elizabeth Gate Appeal in Australia raising the largest amount of any Commonwealth country other than the UK. The Appeal had been established by Prince Michael of Kent to build the Queen Elizabeth Gates in Hyde Park, London as a tribute to the Queen Mother.

Benwell has written a number of books and papers including:

“In Defence of Australia's Constitutional Monarchy.”
ISBN: 07734-66967 (2003)

“A very public affair – The Australian Constitution and Crown.”
ISBN: 978-0-646-51652-3 (2013/4)

"Australia - Our Country, Our Constitution, Our Governance."
ISBN: 978-0-646-96330-3 (2016).

Prior to his involvement in the Australian Monarchist League, Benwell had been engaged in various community and sporting activities. He was awarded the MBE in 1976 for his work within the community.

His advice on the Australian and British Constitutions has been often sought in Britain and elsewhere. The late Lord Molyneaux of Killead commented that Benwell “is renowned not only in Australia but throughout the Commonwealth for his dedication to sound governance. His first-hand experience of structures in most nations of the world, where his judgment is widely respected, has led to his advice being widely sought in democracies great and small.”

He has written ‘The Wattle Crown’ as a tribute to Her Most Gracious Majesty, Queen Elizabeth, Queen of Australia, whom he has served in a voluntary capacity for half of his life.

  • donated 2024-04-07 22:12:53 +1000
  • published The King's Maundy Message 2024 2024-03-29 11:41:15 +1100

    The King's Maundy Message 2024

    THE ROYAL MAUNDY SERVICE 2024, WORCESTER CATHEDRAL

    THURSDAY 28 MARCH 2024





    His Majesty was unable to attend the 2024 Royal Maundy Service, so a recording of the following message was played to the congregation at Worcester Cathedral. 

    The audio message started with The King reading The First Lesson – a reading from the Gospel according to John (John 13.1 – 15).

     

    The text of His Majesty's Message

    “Ladies and Gentlemen, it is, for me, a great sadness that I cannot be with you all today. The Maundy Service has a very special place in my heart. It has its origin in the life of Our Lord who knelt before his disciples and, to their great surprise, washed their travel-weary feet. And, as we have just heard, in doing so he deliberately gave to them and to us all an example of how we should serve and care for each other.

    In this country we are blessed by all the different services that exist for our welfare. But over and above these organizations and their selfless staff, we need and benefit greatly from those who extend the hand of friendship to us, especially in a time of need.

    The 150 men and women who have been chosen today to receive the Maundy Money from my wife are wonderful examples of such kindness; of going way beyond the call of duty and of giving so much of their lives to the service of others in their communities.

    This act of worship, here in Worcester Cathedral, reminds me of the pledge I made at the beginning of the Coronation Service - to follow Christ’s example ‘not to be served but to serve’. That I have always tried to do and continue to do, with my whole heart.

    It is my special prayer today that Our Lord’s example of serving one another might continue to inspire us and to strengthen all our communities.

    May God bless you all this Easter.”

    Charles III

    Published 28 March 2024

  • published The Princess of Wales by A Voltz 2024-03-24 22:48:44 +1100

    The Princess of Wales by A Voltz

    Princess Catherine fights cancer, as does our Crown

    by Alexander Voltz
    Published by the Spectator 23/3/24

     

  • published The Princess of Wales in Media Releases 2024-03-23 13:14:57 +1100

    The Princess of Wales

    Sending our best wishes to HRH The Princess of Wales

    HRH The Princess of Wales has issued a video statement on Instagram thanking all those who had sent messages of support and explaining that, during her successful abdominal surgery, cancer was diagnosed and she is now undergoing The Princess of Wales

    Read more
  • published Message to The Princess of Wales 2024-03-23 06:36:32 +1100

    Message to The Princess of Wales

     



    HRH The Princess of Wales has issued a video statement on Instagram thanking all those who had sent messages of support and explaining that, during her successful abdominal surgery, cancer was diagnosed and she is now undergoing chemotherapy

    Our hearts go out to this young Princess and her family at this time and we urge all to sign the below card sending our best wishes to Her Royal Highness at this very stressful time.

    HRH The Princess of Wales
    Kensington Palace
    London

    Our hearts go out to Your Royal Highness on hearing the news that you are undergoing chemotherapy treatment for your cancer and we send our sincere wishes for a speedy recovery and for strength and perseverance as you undergo your treatment.

    Our thoughts and prayers are also with the Prince of Wales and the children at this time.

  • published Samuel Griffith Society Conference 2024 in Events 2024-03-20 00:37:14 +1100

    Samuel Griffith Society Conference 2024

    Below is preliminary information on the 2024 Annual Conference of the Samuel Griffith Society. When booking, please advise that you are with AML and also email us at [email protected] so we can know who will be attending. 

    Dates: Friday 24th May - Sunday 26th May 2024
    Venue: Sheraton Grand Mirage Resort, Gold Coast
    Booking link: http://www.trybooking.com/CMTMB

    At this stage, confirmed conference speakers include:

    • Dr Janet Albrechtsen - The Australian
    • Prof James Allan - University of Queensland
    • Morgan Begg - Institute of Public Affairs
    • The Hon Jarrod Bleijie MP, JP - Queensland Deputy Opposition Leader
    • The Hon Thomas Bradley - Queensland Supreme Court
    • The Hon Prof George Brandis KC - Australian National University
    • The Hon David Crisafulli MP - Queensland Leader of the Opposition
    • The Hon James Edelman - High Court of Australia
    • Dr Mark Fowler - Fowler Charity Law
    • Dr Zachary Gorman - Robert Menzies Institute
    • The Hon Declan Kelly - Queensland Supreme Court
    • A/Prof Ben Saunders - Deakin University

     

     

     

     

    When
    May 24, 2024 at 6:00pm
  • The King's Proposed Visit to Australia

    Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said plans were already underway on possible logistics for a visit by King Charles III and Queen Camila and his office has confirmed it is speaking with States and Territories about the visit planned for October this year. Their Majesties will be visiting on their way to CHOGM in Samoa.

    Read more
  • published Best Wishes to the King 2024-02-07 04:43:09 +1100

    Sending Best Wishes to the King

    STATEMENT BY BUCKINGHAM PALACE

     

    During The King’s recent hospital procedure for benign prostate enlargement, a separate issue of concern was noted. Subsequent diagnostic tests have identified a form of cancer.

    His Majesty has today commenced a schedule of regular treatments, during which time he has been advised by doctors to postpone public-facing duties. Throughout this period, His Majesty will continue to undertake State business and official paperwork as usual.

    The King is grateful to his medical team for their swift intervention, which was made possible thanks to his recent hospital procedure. He remains wholly positive about his treatment and looks forward to returning to full public duty as soon as possible.

    His Majesty has chosen to share his diagnosis to prevent speculation and in the hope it may assist public understanding for all those around the world who are affected by cancer.


    Please send your best wishes below:





    HM King Charles III
    King of Australia
    Buckingham Palace
    London SW1A 1AA
    UNITED KINGDOM

    Your Majesty

    We, the undersigned, were all dismayed to receive news that Your Majesty has been diagnosed with a form of cancer. We do hope that with prompt treatment and rest, full recovery will ensue. Our prayers and very best wishes are offered at this time and for the future.

     

  • Australian Monarchist League wishes King Charles all the best

    The Australian Monarchist League wishes the King of Australia, King Charles III all the best as he deals with his health prognosis.

    Read more
  • published Republic Minister v Cost of Living in Media Releases 2024-02-02 08:47:27 +1100

    Republic Minister v Cost of Living

    AUSTRALIANS BATTLING COST OF LIVING CRISIS
    DON’T WANT WASTE WITH MINISTER FOR REPUBLIC

    Over 3500 Australians have signed a letter to the Prime Minister calling for the abolition of the unnecessary and wasteful position of an Assistant Minister for the Republic, especially in the midst of a cost of living crisis.

    The letter co-ordinated by the Australian Monarchist League calls on the Prime Minister to instead consider a cost of living minister to deal with the crisis facing many Australians.

    Read more
  • Abolish the Taxpayer-Funded Assistant Ministry for The Republic

    PRIME MINISTER - HEAR THE PEOPLE AND ABOLISH THE TAXPAYER-FUNDED ASSISTANT MINISTRY FOR THE REPUBLIC

    As the Labor caucus is set to meet in Canberra to deal with the ongoing cost of living crisis, the Australian Monarchist League has called on the Prime Minister to show good faith and sincerity with the Australian people by abolishing the Assistant Ministry for the Republic. This is a test of the Prime Minister’s genuineness, of whether he is fair dinkum.

    Read more
  • Republic Minister should be abolished

    IS A REPUBLIC OFF THE AGENDA?

     

    Sky News interview with Isaac Jeffery
    Director of the Australian Republican Movement

     

     

    The Australian Article on AML's call for the
    Assistant Ministership of a Republic to be abolished

    SBS Article on a republic



    The Australian interview with Nova Peris
    Joint Chair of the Australian Republican Movement

  • PM URGED TO ABOLISH ASSISTANT MINISTER FOR THE REPUBLIC

    The Australian Monarchist League is urging the Prime Minister to abolish the taxpayer-funded position of Assistant Minister for the Republic as he prepares to welcome King Charles III later this year.

    Read more
  • published Petition to Abolish Republic Minister 2024-01-02 23:19:12 +1100

    Petition to the Prime Minister

    The King is expected to make his first visit, as King, to Australia in October 2024.  He will be in the region to attend the Commonwealth Heads of Government meeting in Apia, Samoa, which commences on the 21st of October. 

    The Australian Republican Movement, which is supported by the government’s Assistant Minister for the Republic, has already commenced their campaign using the Royal visit as an excuse to undermine the Australian Constitution and to attack the King. 

    This means that the government will have extended an invitation to the King whilst, at the same time, through its very own Assistant Minister for the Republic, be engaged in a concerted attack on His Majesty  and on his position as King of Australia.

    It is an untenable situation and one which should not be allowed to continue. 

    We urge all who agree with this to sign the below letter to the Prime Minister calling on him to extinguish the office of Assistant Minister for the Republic.  After all, its only purpose appears to be expending taxpayer monies so as to lend support to the Australian Republican Movement.

    THE PETITION

    The Hon Anthony Albanese MP
    Prime Minister of Australia
    PO Box 6022
    House of Representatives
    Parliament House
    Canberra ACT 2600

    Prime Minister,

    The taxpayer-funded position of an Assistant Minister for The Republic has never been appropriate. It is even less so as a visit by the King of Australia Charles III is anticipated. The position needs to be abolished.

    As our Prime Minister you will be welcoming our King whilst using the people’s money to actively fund a minister whose task is to assist a cause which would see the tried and proven constitutional monarchy abolished in favour of another politician and all the uncertainties that will bring. The incongruity of this position is glaring. It will not be missed by our fellow Australians or the world community.

    Our democratic Australian history records that the Australian people voted for a constitutional monarchy both at the foundation of our nation in a series of referendums in 1898-1900 and again in 1999.

    The undermining of our stable system of constitutional monarchy by a taxpayer funded assistant minister is a repudiation of the will of the Australian people as expressed by them in earlier referendums besides being a misuse of taxpayer funds.

    It would be an opportune moment for a display of leadership and recalibration of priorities for you to abolish this superfluous ministry as we enter 2024. With a host of issues including the need for stability in our institutions and cost of living pressures the Australian people would be most welcoming of this saving and refocusing on the things that matter.

    We the undersigned therefore urge you to extinguish the portfolio of Assistant Minister for the Republic.

    Yours sincerely

     

     

     

  • published The 2023 National Conference in Events 2023-12-11 11:44:49 +1100

    The 2023 National Conference

    The 2023 AML National Conference

    THE OPPOSITION & THEIR PLANS
    Why we are mobilising now

    An interview by the CEO of the Australian Republic Movement on Sky News





    THE AML NATIONAL CONFERENCE
    18 November 2023

     The Programme

    Introductory comments: 

    Hon Eric Abetz (Chairman - AML Campaign)




     

    SECTION ONE
    Moderator: Mr Jack Barton (Chairman - UQML)

    Hon. Rachel Merton MLC


     

    SECTION TWO
    Moderator: Mr Christopher Jones (AML VIC YM)

     Hon. Chris Rath MLC


     

    SECTION THREE
    Moderator: Mr Patrick Kenny (AML WA Convenor)

    Mr Jarrod Bleijie MP (Deputy Leader of the Queensland State Opposition)

    https://youtu.be/esz1w9yZ4yE

    Mr Michael Kroger

    https://youtu.be/Fph7uQLoZNE



    SECTION FOUR
    Moderator: Ms Laura Malota (AML NSW Convenor)

    Mr Henry Pike MP (Joint Convenor Parliamentary Friends of Constitutional Monarchy)

    Mr Tim James MP


     

    SECTION FIVE
    Moderator: Ms Rachel Bailes (AML Vic Convenor)

    Mr Alister Henskens SC MP (Shadow NSW Attorney-General)

    https://youtu.be/L65TClQU1eY

    Mrs Beverley McArthur MLC

  • Monarchists Excited at King’s Australian Visit

    The Australian Monarchist League is delighted to learn that King Charles III, King of Australia, accompanied by the Queen Consort, will be visiting Australia in October 2024.

    This will be the first visit of King Charles as sovereign and we trust that the Australian and State governments will not restrict people being able to come out and welcome their new King as they did 70 years ago for the then new Queen, Elizabeth II.

    The visit will also be His Majesty’s first time, as King and head of the Commonwealth, at the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) to be held in Apia, Tuamasaga, Samoa from the 21st to the 25th of October.

    Hon. Eric Abetz
    Australian Monarchist League
    Email: [email protected]

  • published 2023 Conference Auction 2023-11-13 22:39:51 +1100

    2023 Conference Auction

     

     

     

    THE AUCTION WILL BE HELD DURING THE 2023 AML NATIONAL CONFERENCE
    ON SATURDAY 18 NOVEMBER 2023
    IF YOU WILL NOT BE AT THE CONFERENCE WE CAN ACCEPT ONE-TIME BIDS BY EMAIL TO:
    [email protected]
    YOUR BID WILL BE HANDED TO THE AUCTIONEER ON THE DAY

    EMAIL BIDDING WILL CLOSE AT 12 NOON ON FRIDAY 17/11/23

    PLEASE SPECIFY THE LOT NUMBER & DESCRIPTION OF THE ITEM YOU ARE BIDDING ON


    You can access the Conference page here:

    2023 AML National Conference

  • Exclusive King’s Birthday Fundraising Auction

    The AML is proud to present a fundraising Auction exclusively to its Members to celebrate the birthday of King Charles III, King of Australia on 14 November. It is difficult to believe that it has been over a year since the passing of our late sovereign Queen Elizabeth II and the accession of The King, whose years of dedicated service have amply prepared him for his role as sovereign. This auction offers a group of rare royal items from two reigns which are destined to become treasured heirlooms. Not only is this a special opportunity for Members to acquire impressive and beautiful pieces of historic royal memorabilia, it ensures that vital funds can be raised to enable us to face the upcoming republic campaign.

    Our Auction marking the Coronation of the King and Queen was a great success, and we are sure that our Members will dig deep and bid generously once again, with a range of tempting Lots across all price points!

    The Auction opens on Wednesday 1 November 2023 & closes on Tuesday 28 November 2023. Please ensure that enquiries and bids are submitted by Tuesday 28 November 2023 at 5pm AEDT:  [email protected].

     

    Read more
  • published ABC Petition in Petitions & Surveys 2023-09-09 07:41:32 +1000

    A Petition Calling on the Government to appoint an Independent Umpire over the ABC.

     

    We, the undersigned: 

    - Noting the Australian Broadcasting Corporation’s appalling breach of its own Charter and community expectations in the coverage of the Coronation of King Charles III by what is, after all, the taxpayer-funded national broadcaster;

    - Noting the expressed massive public outrage at the ABC’s coverage of the Coronation; and

    - Noting the ABC’s high-handed and dismissive attitude to the thousands of complaints received over its coverage of the Coronation. 

    HEREBY respectfully request the Australian Government to urgently amend the legislation pertaining to the ABC to ensure a truly independent ABC Ombudsman (or Inspector-General) is appointed to deal with the ever-growing number of complaints the ABC receives about its bias and general conduct.

    Signed:

  • published Sky News article on the Uluru Statement in The Voice 2023-09-03 11:09:53 +1000

    Sky News article on the Uluru Statement

    This is a Sky News article by Alexander Voltz providing an analysis of the Uluru Statement and accompanying documentation obtained under Freedom of Information from the National Indigenous Australians Agency (NIAA). 

    You can see the accompanying documentation on this website at: Uluru Statement Supporting Documentation

    Alexander is Deputy Chairman of the Queensland Branch of the Australian Monarchist League.

    The spaces in the news article relate to implanted videos which did not copy into the PDF document.





Philip Benwell
Philip Benwell has been the national chairman of the Australian Monarchist League for thirty years and is the longest serving head of any organisation engaged in defending the Australian Constitution and Crown.