It's pretty clear that Prince William is completely out veneering Anna Bligh on his grinning tour of our disaster areas. Who hasn't been won over by his rumpled royal charm slowly melting into a glistening, sweaty mess under the Queensland sun ?Not even a glossy Women's Day spread could hurt his popularity right now. Can-Do-Campbell has been undeniably knocked from his mantle as Queensland's Prince.

However, I don't believe the assemblies of greeters are drawn solely by the man's royal status. If Lady Gaga graced the Top End in a garment fashioned from Rockhampton steak, she would doubtless attract as many, if not more curious onlookers. Prince William's is a draw card not because he is a Prince but because he is a celebrity, and in our modern times, they are one and the same. If he and Kate Middleton have a baby between now and when Australia holds its next republic referendum, there's no way Brisbanites will vote to become independent.