ABOUT THE AUTHORPhilip Benwell is the longest serving head of any mainstream monarchist or republican organisation in Australia, having been national chairman of the Australian Monarchist League since its re-formation in 1993. He had been awarded the Order of the British Empire in the 1976 Australian Honours List and was believed to be the youngest person at the time to receive the award.In 1999, Benwell was accorded the distinct honour of addressing both the Conservative Constitution Committee and the Cross Benches of the House of Lords on the Constitutional Referendum Australia. He has since been invited, on a number of occasions, to return to the House of Lords and address meetings and even a rally in Trafalgar Square. He is noted for his plain speaking, often to his personal detriment. In fact, some constitutional monarchists have criticized him for being a 'street-fighter' meaning it as an insult, but Benwell took it as a compliment as his campaigns advanced from success to success. He is listed by the media as a writer and debater on the Australian Constitution and is often invited to participate in talk-back programmes throughout the country. His advice on the Australian and British Constitutions is often sought. Lord Molyneaux of Killead had commented that Benwell "is renowned not only in Australia but throughout the Commonwealth for his dedication to sound governance. His first-hand experience of structures in most nations of the world, where his judgment is widely respected, has led to his advice being widely sought in democracies great and small." HRH Crown Prince Alexander of Serbia, who is working hard to establish a system of constitutional monarchy in his country, had recently said of Benwell: "Thanks to your noble endeavour and continued determination for the preservation of constitutional monarchy in Australia we all know the institution has always been admirably represented and safeguarded."The Hon. Tony Abbott MP, prime minister of Australia had said of Benwell: "He was, and still is today, one of the staunchest defenders of our Constitution and institutions that have stood the test of time. Philip's commitment to the Monarchist League is a reflection of his patriotism and his willingness to be counted in the debates that have shaped our nation. Philip has marched to his own drum and demonstrated himself to be a man of conviction."