Tony Bonner

BEING A ROYAL OR BEING ROYAL

STORY COURTESY OF TONY BONNER AM

That is the question, as The Great Bard once wrote, ‘’TO BE OR NOT TO BE’’ that is the question. Does the House of Royal Windsor have an answer to that question? A Royal is born to be of service to their people, in any manner or aspect their Liege asks or requires of them. On reflection, King Charles could strip his son Prince Harry of his title, relegating him to the status of commoner, and what a sadness that would be. But I digress, back on topic Tony… I would, if given the choice of being a ‘’Royal Windsor’’ or a Royal fella, what path would I take? Mmmmm… Let me start with being a Tony Windsor. Well for a start, I would need to be Anthony Windsor, Tony; a bit common. Now I’m not too sure Anthony Windsor would take to the totally planned life, and lifestyle of a Windsor. A daily diary of duties and appointments, mapped out day after day, year after year, who I can and can’t see, where I can and can’t go. To be of service I love. So that aspect I would be totally fine with. To be able to assist the various charities, and those that need help would also fit my liking. But, ha… there is always a but. My Anthony Windsor would find it difficult not to be able to have thoughts of my own, to never be articulated, unless in privacy. The need to ‘’fence sit’’ on all aspects of life, politically and diplomatically. This Anthony Windsor would find it very difficult. I have the greatest of respect for The Windsor Royals, to live, to function in the world’s spotlight I can only reflect. GOD BLESS THEM… The Tony Windsor I know needs to be more ‘’hands on.’’ He needs to have an opinion, albeit a considered one, he needs to be emotional and passionate, traits a Royal Windsor must hide. Tony learnt many many years ago that growth without pain, sharing and a valued mentor to assist in his journey are essential. If not, the essences that fertilise our humanities will be ‘bottled up,’ dying on the vine so to say. We…..he needs to accept his flaws, find the courage to restore his faith, make amends that will ease the road ahead. A great old friend, and a man who has my admiration, champion Ros Barassi once mentioned to me a thought, mantra that has been with me since that moment. ‘’If it is to be, it is up to me.’’ I learnt that, we live only in either ‘’fear or faith.’’ So… my love, thoughts, support, for those Royal Windsors will endure. GOD BLESS THEM. But, there’s that ‘’but’’ again….I will be very happy and content to just be a Royal fella to my family, friends and country, one day at a time…

STORY COURTESY OF TONY BONNER AM

TONY BONNER AM has appeared in an eclectic mix of critically acclaimed films, television shows and live theatre during his phenomenal career, which includes ANZACS, THE LIGHT HORSEMAN, QUIGLEY DOWN UNDER AND THE MAN FROM SNOWY RIVER. He was awarded both the Sammy and Penguin Awards for ‘’The Best Single Performance by an actor, in the 1978 Television Movie ‘’END OF SUMMER.’’ Tony was also nominated for ‘’The Best Actor in a supporting role’’ by The Australian Film Institute in 2003 for the movie ‘’LIQUID BRIDGE’’ and received a ‘’Lifetime Achievement Award in 2011. Tony was appointed a ‘’Member of the order of Australia’’ (AM) in 2017 for his services to the performing arts as an actor, surf lifesaving and to the community through charitable organisation.

HAS THE PASSING OF THE QUEEN PROMPTED THE AWESOME FOURSOME TO CONSIDER A RECONCILIATION?

After two years of no contact, it appears that the passing of Queen Elizabeth II may have brought the estranged brothers, William and Harry back together. It was the reunion the world had been waiting for.

On the 11th September, 2022 just three days after the Queen’s death. Mourners outside Windsor Castle were thrilled to see the ‘’Fab Four’’ make a surprise appearance. The foursome were met with thunderous applause by the crowds as they reunited and walked together to greet mourners and wellwishers while viewing floral tributes to their late grandmother Queen Elizabeth II.

According to a Royal source, Prince William offered an olive branch to Prince Harry and Meghan and invited the couple to view the floral tributes alongside himself and his wife Kate.

Fortunately, Harry and Meghan accepted the invitation, it was the first time the ‘’Fab Four’’ were seen in public together since March 2020. The reunion was an important show of unity at an incredibly difficult time. However, Royal supporters are hoping that the joint appearance at Winsor Castle is an indication that the rift between Harry, Meghan and the Royal Family may be slowly coming to an end. The Royal foursome also attended a family dinner at Buckingham Palace three days later. William and Harry reunited again on the 14th September, 2022 in honour of their grandmother, while walking side by side in procession escorting the Queen’s coffin on her journey from Buckingham Palace to lie in state at Westminster Hall. Only time will tell if Princes William and Harry will be able to navigate their differences, however Royal experts are hoping that the aftermath of the Queen’s death will result in a reconciliation between William and Harry. Unfortunately, according to recent media reports the impending release of Prince Harry’s biography titled ‘’SPARE’’ could derail a reconciliation and cause irretrievable damage to the Monarchy.