AS royals fever sweeps the country, Moruya can lay claim to a key figure from Prince William’s first tour to Australia 31 years ago.
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Stan Spurek was a delegate for the Builders Labourers Federation (BLF) on the site of the new Parliament House, during a royal walkabout when he handed Princess Diana a small Eureka flag on March 24, 1983.
The exchange made headlines.
Mr Spurek said the flag, long a symbol of the anti-establishment, was really his way of calling for a republic. He was reported at the time saying the royals were lovely people and welcome any time to Australia but “we’d like our own independence’’.
“She was very nice and she said, ‘Thank you very much’,’’ Mr Spurek said.
“It was something I did plan but didn’t think I would get away with it. But it worked out pretty well.’’
Prince William and Prince George were almost the same age - nine months - for their debut visit to Australia but there were reports at the time that some in the royal circle wanted William kept back in England to avoid any distractions. (George turns nine months on Tuesday.)
Mr Spurek said that as a BLF delegate back in 1983, he could probably move more freely around the Parliament House site. Police had tried to stop him from giving the flag to Diana but she reached out and took it, appearing not to realise its significance.
Mr Spurek, 66, was reluctant to say whether he would repeat the stunt when William and Kate visit Canberra but his resolve towards a republic seems to have hardened; he has made a sign that reads: “It’s time Willy. Do it for Kate and George and Australia.’’
“I still believe in it,’’ he said.
“What I did back then was a personal thing, and I just went with it.’’