FitzSimons issued a statement at the weekend in which he expressed his sympathies and gratitude on behalf of the republican movement. ”We are deeply saddened by the news of Queen Elizabeth’s passing and express deep gratitude and thanks for her service to the Commonwealth. During her reign, Australia has grown into a mature and independent nation. It is unlikely we will ever see a Monarch as respected or admired by the Australian people again”

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And in a later tweet he said now was the time to observe a respectful silence. “There will be much to say, but now not time to say it.”

Former festival director Rosemary Cameron said she hoped she would not have cancelled the session, but said the pressure on artistic director Michaela McGuire would have been substantial. She pointed out that the event would have been planned because the end of Queen Elizabeth’s reign was anticipated, but not so soon.

“If it’s appropriate to discuss when she is alive, surely even more so when she is dead? I would certainly have acknowledged the Queen with a minute’s silence. I can’t think of a better time to discuss it and I say that with due respect to the Queen.“

Cameron, who is executive officer of the Royal Historical Society of Victoria, said a republic was an important topic in Australia.

“After the last rather bruising attempt, my understanding is that the republicans have been waiting for this. There’s so much emotion where the Queen is concerned, but there will be less under Charles.“

Cameron also pointed out that a writers festival was a place where certainties should be challenged: “And if you go away discomforted, that’s all right. People have the choice of attending or not,” she said.

Before the session was cancelled, Altman said he had argued that there should be a minute’s silence to honour the Queen at the start, “but I was outvoted”.

“It was the perfect moment to question the institution, and the reality was that we reverted to our Anglo colonial roots. The panel split, but it was a festival decision.”

Sushi Das, chief of staff at RMIT ABC Fact Check, who was due to chair the session, said there were arguments for and against it. “But in the end I felt it should go ahead.”

Reid said public opinion needed to have the conversation about the future of the monarchy before the politicians. “We can engage in robust conversations about an Australian and not be offensive to Monarchists.”

The Age is a partner of Melbourne Writers Festival.

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