Australian republic likely says Pyne

The nation may be in the grip of royal fever but Christopher Pyne says it's only a matter of time before Australia becomes a republic.

"Well I am a republican, and I think there's a lot of passion for having an Australian head of state," the Federal Innovation and Science Minister told FiveAA radio on Wednesday.

"I think this debate will fire up much more when the Queen is no longer on the throne.

"The Australian public might have quite a different view than they do now."

The minister's comments follow a brief visit by Prince Charles and his wife Camilla to South Australia on Tuesday as they kicked off their six-day tour of Australia.