Amidst his ceremonial visit to Australia, King Charles III faced a passionate disruption at Parliament House in Canberra when independent senator Lidia Thorpe heckled him, asserting that he was not the legitimate ruler of the land. Thorpe's protest came just after the King delivered a speech acknowledging Indigenous communities and their wisdom.
As the King attempted to return to his seat alongside Queen Camilla, Thorpe emerged from the back of the assembly, proclaiming loudly, "This is not your land, you are not my King," and referencing historical claims of genocide against Aboriginal people. Her outburst lasted around a minute before security intervened to escort her away.
King Charles is on his first official visit to Australia since becoming the head of state in September 2022, marking an important engagement for the monarchy. Although the ceremony continued without specific mention of the incident, it highlighted ongoing tensions regarding Australia’s colonial past.
Thorpe, an Aboriginal Australian and vocal advocate for a treaty between Australia’s government and its Indigenous peoples, expressed her intent to deliver a clear message to the King. In an interview post-incident, she emphasized the need for a peace treaty and called for reconciliation efforts, underscoring that true sovereignty lies with Indigenous peoples.
Her protest did not overshadow the warm reception the royal couple received from many Australians, as crowds gathered outside Parliament House, waving flags and welcome banners. Various citizens expressed enthusiasm for the visit, while a small number of dissenters and protesters assembled nearby.
Earlier in the day, King Charles received a traditional welcome, including music from a digeridoo. He spoke about his admiration for Indigenous communities, acknowledging the challenges faced in the journey toward reconciliation.
The incident reflects broader discussions within Australia regarding its identity, the monarchy's relevance, and debates on whether to transition to a republic, a proposition that gained renewed interest over the years.
Buckingham Palace has not issued a public statement addressing the protest directly but has focused on the positive reactions from the public attending the royal engagements. King Charles III’s visit holds significance as the monarchy navigates its evolving role within Australia, especially in light of a more recent push for recognition and sovereignty by Indigenous Australians.
