Queen pledges to carry on

Australians voted against a republic

The Queen has promised to continue as Australia's head of state after the referendum defeat of the proposals for a republic.

In a statement issued by Buckingham Palace, she said: "I have heard from the office of the prime minister of Australia of the result of the referendum that the proposal to alter the constitution of Australia to establish a republic has not passed and the existing constitutional arrangements continue.

"I respect and accept this result. I have always made it clear that the future of the monarchy in Australia is an issue for the Australian people and them alone to decide, by democratic and constitutional means.

"This decision has now been reached by way of the Constitutional Convention in 1998 and subsequently by this referendum. During this time I have followed the debate with close attention.

"My family and I would, of course, have retained our deep affection for Australia and Australians everywhere, whatever the outcome. For some while it has been clear that many Australians have wanted constitutional change. Much of the debate had been about what that change would be.

"In the light of this result, and on the advice of the Prime Minister, John Howard, I shall continue faithfully to serve under the constitution as Queen of Australia to the very best of my ability in the future as I have tried to do over these past 47 years.

"The prime minister has undertaken to keep me informed as the Australian people reflect on this result, and Prince Philip and I very much look forward to our visit to Australia in March next year."