Queen visits flower festival

Queen Elizabeth and Prince Philip toured a flower festival in Canberra on Thursday as thousands turned up to see her.
The Down Under tour is expected to reignite debate on whether Australia should become a republic.
Monarchists who defeated a national vote to become a republic 12 years ago are excited about the royal tour.
(SOUNDBITE) (English) CONSTITUTIONAL MONARCHIST PROFESSOR DAVID FLINT SAYING:
"The magic of monarchy still has a place and we saw that for example at the royal wedding, and we will see it during the royal visit. There is great affection for the Queen."
An opinion poll this week revealed support for the monarchy has risen to 55 percent, while support for a republic was at its lowest level in 23 years at 34 percent.
Monarchist says many younger Australians also have a soft spot for the Queen, like towards their grandmothers, and now a growing affinity with the young royals, like Prince William, Catherine and Harry.
(SOUNDBITE) (English) MONARCHIST, JAI MARTINKOVITS, SAYING:
"The young royals I think are huge in raising awareness about what this institution is and why it is relevant. I think with that will flow further support for the monarchy."
This is the Queen's 16th and possibly last visit to Australia, given her 85 years of age and the long distance from the United Kingdom.
Sophia Soo, Reuters.