Games of Throne

'So we won’t be having King Charles coming out to open the 23rd Commonwealth Games. Having the Games take place in Regional Victoria was always seen as somewhat controversial,’ said Janno.

'An interesting example of Cancel Culture by the Premier,’ said Johno grinning.

Alphy always found the Saps obsession with large sporting extravaganzas somewhat contradictory: countries’ willingness to spend enormous amounts of money hosting these sporting events; politicians thinking they can improve their popularity and profile by hosting them.

He observed that the claim at the beginning, is always the same. They will deliver significant net benefit to the host community. But frequently they go way over budget and are run at a loss, to the ultimate detriment of the poorest and sickest in those communities, often ending up as the Blunder Games.

'Well, the majority of people won’t care about the Games being cancelled,’ said Johno. ‘Let’s face it, they are an outmoded relic of British Empire. To be honest the only reason Aussie athletes like them is that they know that the countries that usually provide the fiercest competition to them, such as the US and China won’t be there! So we end up competing mostly against the Easy-Beats!’

'It will be interesting to see if the Commonwealth Games can survive this,’ said Janno. ‘Perhaps Balmoral should be converted into a permanent Games venue? It could be combined with the Highland Games. This would allow the Scots to actually win Gold medals! Tossing the Caber and the like.’

'Well, I imagine King Charles will be mightily pissed off, if they don’t go ahead in the future. As Head of the Commonwealth it’s the perfect vehicle for promoting the Mystique of the Monarchy.’

'Perhaps he could dip into the considerable resources of the Royal coffers, in order to fund the Games?’ said Alphy mischievously.

'I should think that’s about as likely to happen, as Prince Andrew being invited to become Patron of the Girl Guides,’ said Johno.