Britain’s King Charles III faced a dramatic interruption during his speech to Australia’s Parliament House on Monday when Indigenous Senator Lidia Thorpe shouted, “You are not my king” and demanded the return of her people’s stolen land.
This outburst came as King Charles and Queen Camilla visited Canberra to meet with the nation’s leaders, including Prime Minister Anthony Albanese.
Thorpe’s protest was fueled by the historical injustices inflicted upon Australia’s Indigenous people, who suffered massacres and systemic discrimination at the hands of British settlers. Despite a traditional Aboriginal welcoming ceremony, many Indigenous Australians view the royal family’s presence as a painful reminder of colonial trauma [1).
King Charles acknowledged Australia’s First Nations people in his speech, expressing gratitude for their shared stories and cultures. However, Thorpe’s actions highlighted the ongoing struggle for Indigenous rights and recognition. She has long advocated for a treaty between the British Crown and Australia’s Indigenous people, who never ceded sovereignty.
The incident sparked varied reactions. The Greens party called for the king’s recognition and support of “First Nations justice, truth telling, and healing,” while the Australian Monarchist League demanded Thorpe’s resignation.
UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer praised King Charles’s handling of the situation, noting his continued public service despite health challenges.
This event underscores the complex and sensitive nature of Australia’s relationship with the British monarchy, particularly regarding Indigenous rights and recognition.
The debate surrounding Australia’s constitutional ties to Britain is likely to continue, with some advocating for a republic and others supporting the monarchy.
