In a dramatic turn of events during his visit to Australia, King Charles III and Queen Camilla were met with unexpected protests at a parliamentary gathering in Canberra.
The incident unfolded on Monday, just moments after the King delivered remarks to the assembled lawmakers.
Indigenous senator Lydia Thorpe, known for her fervent advocacy for Aboriginal rights, interrupted the proceedings with a passionate outburst.
As King Charles concluded his speech, Thorpe’s voice rang out from the back of the room, declaring, “You are not our king.
Give us back our land.
Give us what you robbed us of.”
Her words echoed through the chamber, capturing the attention of both attendees and viewers alike.
Security personnel quickly intervened, escorting Thorpe out as she continued to demand that Britain enter into a treaty with Australia’s Indigenous peoples.
Dressed in traditional attire, including a possum cloak, Thorpe raised her fist in defiance while shouting accusations of genocide against British colonizers.
“Our bones, our skulls, our children, our kin,” she shouted, emphasizing the deep-rooted pain and loss experienced by Indigenous Australians.
The scene was charged, with Thorpe’s powerful message underscoring the ongoing struggle for recognition and justice for Indigenous communities.
Once outside the room, Thorpe could still be heard voicing her discontent about the British monarchy’s presence in Australia.
Meanwhile, King Charles maintained a stoic demeanor as he observed the unfolding drama.
Moments later, he and Queen Camilla exited the venue, marking a stark contrast to the emotional upheaval that had just occurred.
This visit marks Charles’s first trip to Australia since ascending to the throne in 2022, reigniting discussions about the future of the monarchy in the country.
The question of whether Australia should become a republic has lingered since a 1999 referendum, where 54.8% of voters opted to remain a constitutional monarchy.
With Charles’s visit, many are once again contemplating the relevance of the British monarchy in contemporary Australia.
In another royal update, Catherine, the Princess of Wales, recently shared that she has completed her chemotherapy treatment.
In a heartfelt video message, she expressed her eagerness to return to her royal duties, although concerns regarding her health persist among the public.
This personal battle reflects the ongoing challenges faced by members of the royal family.
Additionally, Prince Harry‘s legal battles against British tabloids have drawn significant media attention.
While he celebrated a recent court victory, he acknowledged that these struggles have contributed to a growing rift between him and other royal family members.
The complexities of family dynamics within the monarchy continue to unfold in the public eye.
On a more positive note, the Crown Estate has reported a substantial increase in profits, thanks in part to lucrative offshore wind deals.
Visitor numbers to royal residences are also nearing pre-pandemic levels, indicating a resurgence in public interest in the monarchy.
However, the political landscape remains dynamic, especially with King Charles’s recent address to Parliament highlighting the government’s priorities.
Despite the passing of Queen Elizabeth II, which some hoped would revitalize the republican movement, enthusiasm for such a shift has waned.
Activists have jokingly referred to Charles’s current visit as a “farewell tour,” suggesting a growing sentiment that the monarchy’s time in Australia may be limited.
Charles is no stranger to Australia, having visited the country 17 times, with his first trip dating back to 1983 alongside the late Princess Diana.
While he may not enjoy the same iconic status as Diana or his mother, Queen Elizabeth, he still commands a degree of admiration among Australians.
Former Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull, who spearheaded the 1999 republic campaign, noted that there is no personal animosity toward King Charles.
He acknowledged the King’s global popularity, particularly regarding his environmental advocacy.
Turnbull emphasized that the transition from Elizabeth to Charles presents an opportune moment to revisit the conversation about Australia’s governance.
While there is potential for a renewed discussion on becoming a republic, Turnbull pointed out that longstanding disagreements over the election of a head of state and the complexities of constitutional amendments pose significant hurdles.