The end of the month marks 55 years since Winston Churchill’s death. With an estimated 10,000 books on the great man, one clearly needs to be careful in adding yet more layers of legend or biography. But this reservoir is too good not to tap, especially for young people that can learn practical lessons from someone who, at twenty-six, “had done enough to fill several lives”.[1] Far from existing only for his time “at the very gates of destiny”, in the eulogising words of Robert Menzies, millennials can draw from Churchill in everyday terms – from persisting in the face […]

As another Australia Day approaches, it’s worth touching on the things to be thankful for, and worth celebrating, since Australia’s very humbled beginnings. Far from a time of historical lament, I’ve always seen the late 1700s and the pre-federation era as the growing foundations for a continuously democratic, tolerant and prosperous nation. While self-criticism has its place, Australia’s story of growth is something I feel that all Australians can overwhelmingly be proud of, regardless of complexion or heritage. Here are my 11 reasons to celebrate, and be thankful, on Australia Day. 1. Standard of living Today we tend to speak […]

This piece is also published on The Spectator’s Flat White blog Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s announcement to step back as “senior royals” has predictably drawn fierce speculation – former palace press secretary Dickie Arbiter has called it “unprecedented” and a “breakdown in the royal family”, while another source notes the Queen is supposedly “upset” and “incandescent with rage.” While speculation brews, however, it’s hard to deny the past 12 months haven’t been a more than eventful at the intersection of royal life and relentless media pressure – Westminster log jam around Brexit, Prince Andrew, Phillip’s car crash and, of […]

My take on Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s decision to take a step back as ‘senior royals’. The Queen says it’ll “take time to work through” and I couldn’t agree more. Did I get it right? Have a listen and let me know your thoughts.   Want to know more about the monarchy vs republic debate? Here’s a recent post I wrote, which I hope provides some much needed context to this important discussion. Image source: Dominic Lipinski/PA Images via Getty Images