During his trip to Australia, King Charles III faced a significant disruption.
While addressing the Australian Parliament on Monday, October 21, Indigenous Australian senator Lidia Thorpe interrupted the event with a loud protest.
Thorpe shouted at the monarch, accusing him of crimes against Indigenous Australians and demanding the return of their land. Thorpe declared, “You are not our king” and “You committed genocide against our people,” before being escorted out by security.
The protest from Thorpe, a vocal advocate for Aboriginal rights, reignited discussions surrounding Australia’s colonial past and the monarchy’s role in it. She further called for a treaty between Indigenous Australians and the British Crown, insisting that justice had never been served for the atrocities committed against her ancestors. As she was removed from the hall, Thorpe continued her demands for reparations, a treaty, and the return of Indigenous remains.
King Charles and Queen Camilla, seated beside Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, appeared unmoved by the interruption from Thorpe. The King’s first visit to Australia as monarch has been met with both warm receptions and protests. Despite the challenges, King Charles acknowledged Australia’s Indigenous communities in his speech, expressing appreciation for the traditional “Welcome to Country” ceremony held earlier in the day. However, this has not mitigated the ongoing tensions with those calling for greater recognition and reparations.
The heckling incident has stirred up debates over the future of the British monarchy in Australia, a Commonwealth nation that voted against becoming a republic in a 1999 referendum. With Queen Elizabeth II’s passing in 2022, some Australians have revisited the idea of cutting ties with the monarchy. However, there remains strong support for King Charles, particularly for his work on environmental issues. The movement has struggled with internal divisions and timing despite the renewed conversation about republicanism.
UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer, who praised the King for his work across the Commonwealth, downplayed the incident. Starmer commended the King’s resilience, noting that he continues his public duties despite ongoing health challenges, including his recent cancer diagnosis. He described the monarch as a “fantastic ambassador” and reiterated the strong relationship between Britain and Australia while sidestepping direct questions about Thorpe’s accusations.
The protest was one of several challenges King Charles faced during his visit. Ahead of his speech, activists displayed banners with the word “decolonize” outside Parliament, and six state premiers did not attend the event.
Despite these obstacles, the King remains committed to his tour, including a trip to Samoa for the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting, where more discussions around Britain’s colonial past and demands for reparations are expected.
As the King continues his duties as Head of the Commonwealth, his role in addressing the lingering impact of colonialism remains a sensitive subject. While many view the monarch positively for his environmental advocacy, calls for reparations and acknowledgment of historical injustices persist, particularly from regions affected by British colonization. The King’s response to these complex issues could shape his legacy as he navigates the modern responsibilities of the monarchy.