́Australia and the British monarchy have always had a close relationship, yet they make for an odd couple: the rebellious, egalitarian nation wedded to an ancient system of social inequality. So what is the magic the royals hold over Australians? Queen Victoria was revered in Australia, even though shéd never seen the place and showed little interest in it. When her son Price Alfred visited in 1867, on the first ever royal visit of Australia, he was received rapturously, and nearly assassinated. In 1954 the country was gripped by royal fever when newly crowned Queen Elizabeth II landed on its shores; and more than sixty years later, having turned 90, she is as popular in Australia as she ever was. Not only that, but with the popularity of William, Kate, George and Charlotte burgeoning, against the odds the monarchy looks set to enter the hearts and minds of a new generation of Australians.́--Back cover.