The other European monarchies have all adapted to this already, with a string of abdications over the last few years.
In addition, despite generally having more progressive politics than Australia, those other European monarchies also have a much higher level of support for their monarchy than the 55% we had last time it went to a proper poll.
Maybe we are simply aligned to the wrong monarchy? There is precedent for a country choosing to join the Commonwealth for its stabilising influence despite having no history of British Colonialism, so the concept could surely be extended to Australia electing to switch to (for example) the Norwegian monarchy.
Look at all the Scandinavian Monarchs, close, approachable, down to earth, hands on. Walk to shops to get their own newspapers. I was told by Norwegians that during the oil crisis in 1975, the country's king caught the tram to go skiing. The Dutch King flys regular passenger flights to retain is certification.
While we mentioned further back less than 0.01% of Aussies have the capacity to be king, I'd say even less have ever have had a conversation with our Queen and I don't count the quick hellos in a crowd.
Some say security, things have changed in Norway but a number of years ago while the King was on his walks with his solo body guard the foreign TV station asked did he feel safe. He said "why not, I have 7m?) people who love me"
Lichtenstein King even said if he didn't get his own way on a few things (cannot remember what), he would sell up and leave the country and the people supported him.
The Dutch Queen transferred power to her son recently, as did Qatar (note he stole it off his father).
I tend to agree, if the country had its own King, maybe the Monarchy would be more popular. But who gets the job for generations? Norway offered the role to a Swede when they were looking? What would also help the Royals is if there was a retirement age or at least be humble enough to know when its time. I just hope QE2 knows when its time and not follow the Pope. For Pope Paul 2, the longer he stayed on the more pathetic and out dated it looked. Unfortunately however I doubt it and the Prince's health isn't looking any better.