Monday 19 September 2022 01:29 AM Queen dies: Today's Karl Stefanovic and Ally Langdon SLAM 'rude' republican ... trends now
Today co-hosts Karl Stefanovic and Allison Langdon have condemned the Australian Republic Movement (ARM) for igniting debate about the monarchy before Queen Elizabeth II has even been buried.
In an astonishing spray on Saturday morning, Stefanovic said it was inappropriate to engage in such a conversation during a period of mourning, before taking aim at ARM leader Peter FitzSimons and founding member Malcolm Turnbull.
He remarked that having 'pasty white guys' as the figureheads for the movement would guarantee its failure.
'There's still people out there doing it. I just think it's so rude,' he said.
'Let me tell you, it is not going to happen while you've got pasty white guys like Peter FitzSimons and Malcolm Turnbull fronting up in Australia,' Stefanovic added.
Langdon agreed, adding: 'I did tell Peter if he was at the front of the movement, I would always vote for a monarchy.'
Today co-hosts Karl Stefanovic (left) and Allison Langdon (right) condemned the Australian Republic Movement (ARM) for igniting debate about the monarchy before Queen Elizabeth II has even been buried on Monday
In an astonishing spray on Saturday morning, Stefanovic said it was inappropriate to engage in such a conversation during a period of mourning, before taking aim at ARM leader Peter FitzSimons (pictured) and founding member Malcolm Turnbull
While the Australian Republic Movement (ARM) has temporarily suspended its push for a republic until after the Queen's burial, its leader FitzSimons has long campaigned for the British Royal Family to be eradicated from Australian political life.
FitzSimons has also previously made public statements criticising King Charles III, formerly the Prince of Wales, telling Daily Mail Australia in June he expected republican sentiment to 'get a surge once Australia leans in close and looks at' the new king.
He also drew the ire of monarchists earlier this month by issuing a statement about the Queen's death before Prime Minister Anthony Albanese had a chance to.
'Let me tell you, it is not going to happen while you've got pasty white guys like Peter FitzSimons and Malcolm Turnbull fronting up in Australia,' Stefanovic added
Langdon agreed, saying: 'I did tell Peter if he was at the front of the movement, I would always vote for a monarchy'
FitzSimons is married to Stefanovic's former Today co-anchor Lisa Wilkinson, who is fronting Channel 10 and The Project's coverage of Her Majesty's funeral in London.
The 'irony' of her arrival in London on Monday was apparently not lost on many industry figures, reports The Australian's Media Diary.
However, sources at Channel 10 said there were no misgivings about sending Wilkinson, who has impeccable knowledge of royal matters from her decades as a magazine editor.
While the Australian Republic Movement (ARM) has temporarily suspended its push for a republic until after the Queen's burial, its leader FitzSimons has long
