How Prince William Charmed The Ladies Of Australia

It was like the visit of a British pop star. Women young and old swooned, marriage proposals were made and the handsome young heir to the British Throne loved it all.

He even talked about living in Sydney.

But it was more than that. It was a chance for Prince William to visit a country he last saw when he was a baby.

To discover the essence of Australia's 2 largest cities in a land that is torn between the love of the Monarchy and desire to become a republic.

He did all the things a royal should do. He made speeches telling us how wonderful we were. He shook hands with the blokes, kissed the shielas, had discussions with pollies and Aboriginal Elders and generally had a good time.

Sydney.

In Sydney he enjoyed a harbour cruise in the warm sunshine, chatted with young Australians at a harbourside barbeque and showed off his marksmanship with soldiers at Holsworthy Army Barracks.

Melbourne.

A sombre note was introduced to his Melbourne visit when he visited some of the victims of the disastrous Victorian bushfires.
After lunch he enjoyed a game of backyard cricket with the local children who coincidently were joined by Brett Lee and Matthew Hayden. His batting skills did nothing to frighten the Aussie bowlers.

The Prince got a rousing welcome from tennis fans when he made a surprise visit to the Australian Open Tennis at Melbourne Park on his final night in Australia.

And then he was gone.

After 2 days of sunshine and adulation, he returned to the depths of a freezing English winter and more royal duties.

Meanwhile, life in Sydney returned to normal. People flocked to the beaches and enjoyed Sydney's numerous summer holiday attractions.

Down in Melbourne, they turned their attention to who would win the Australian Open Tennis and speculated on the next visit from the British.

That of course will be in November 2010 when the English Cricket Team arrives to defend the Ashes and the excitement starts all over again.

The sports loving people of Melbourne will then turn their attention to another major sporting event in their city. The famous Boxing Day test at the Melbourne Cricket Ground.

Was the visit a success?

The iGeneration ladies thought so."We want him to be our king one day. He's young and dishy and besides,Prince Charles is too old",said one.

Another carried a poster with the words, "Marry me Will."
Perhaps this optimistic lady was aware of the approach of Valentine's Day.