Queen Elizabeth and Prince Philip toured a flower festival in Canberra on Thursday as thousands turned up to see her.<br/> The Down Under tour is expected to reignite debate on whether Australia should become a republic.<br/> Monarchists who defeated a national vote to become a republic 12 years ago are excited about the royal tour.<br/> (SOUNDBITE) (English) CONSTITUTIONAL MONARCHIST PROFESSOR DAVID FLINT SAYING:<br/> "The magic of monarchy still has a place and we saw that for example at the royal wedding, and we will see it during the royal visit. There is great affection for the Queen."<br/> An opinion poll this week revealed support for the monarchy has risen to 55 percent, while support for a republic was at its lowest level in 23 years at 34 percent.<br/> Monarchist says many younger Australians also have a soft spot for the Queen, like towards their grandmothers, and now a growing affinity with the young royals, like Prince William, Catherine and Harry.<br/> (SOUNDBITE) (English) MONARCHIST, JAI MARTINKOVITS, SAYING:<br/> "The young royals I think are huge in raising awareness about what this institution is and why it is relevant. I think with that will flow further support for the monarchy."<br/> This is the Queen's 16th and possibly last visit to Australia, given her 85 years of age and the long distance from the United Kingdom.<br/> Sophia Soo, Reuters.
