Kate receives flowers from well-wishers after the royal family Christmas Day service. Her marriage to Prince William has boosted support for the monarchy in Australia. Picture: AFP Source: AFP
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THE royal wedding and visits by the Queen and Prince William have killed off any chance Australia will become a republic in the near future, according to a series of UK government reports.
But changing demographics and fewer Australians with ties to the UK means ditching the monarchy would be a natural development, the UK Foreign Office said.
Compiled in September and November - immediately before and after the Queen and Prince Philip's 11-day visit to Australia - the reports offer a frank assessment of the existing republican movement.
"It is clear that the debate about Australia becoming a republic is off the table for the present," the November report says.
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Most Australians feel the issue of republicanism will not reappear until after the Queen's death, it adds.
The reports, obtained by AAP using freedom of information laws, credits Prince William's 2010 visit to Australia and his marriage to Catherine Middleton in April as other key factors in curbing republicanism.
"Prince William's visit to Australia ... and the Royal Wedding seem to have boosted enthusiasm for royalty," an excerpt from September report reads.
Prince William, second in line to the throne, enjoyed a warm reception during his 2010 visit to Sydney and Melbourne, and his wedding was viewed by a global television audience of billions.
But the reports, which were used to inform opinion within the UK Foreign Office, say Australia may eventually relinquish the monarchy.
"In the longer term, demographic change is reducing the number of Australians who feel a natural tie to the UK, and many Australians feel becoming a republic is a natural part of maturing as a country," another excerpt said.
Michael Keating, AO, chairman of the Australian Republican Movement, rubbished the idea the debate was dead.
"I can assure UK citizens that the desire for Australia becoming a republic is still extremely strong," he told AAP.
Mr Keating said the visits by the Queen and Prince William had been designed to bolster support for the monarchy.
"The Windsor family is in the process of a very well orchestrated attempt to reinvent themselves around the world," he added.
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