The Australian Monarchist League, the most influential pro-monarchist group in the Australian country, requested the resignation of Aboriginal Senator Lidia Thorpe this Monday due to her actions following King Charles III of England's speech in Parliament in Canberra. The senator, who is Aboriginal, unsuccessfully attempted to deliver a note to the king accusing him of complicity in the genocide of Aboriginal people in Australia and was removed from the chamber after stating that Charles III is not her king and accusing the monarchy of complicity in the plundering of indigenous bones and skulls.
The official visit of Charles III and Queen Camilla has sparked division in Australia between those who support the monarchy and those who advocate for becoming a republic. The Greens expressed their position by sharing a critical message on Instagram, pointing out that the British Empire was built on genocide. Greens Senator Barbara Pocock highlighted that the monarchical institution does not represent the current country and described the colonial legacy as a sad history for many indigenous people.
Despite the criticism, the British monarchs received welcome speeches in Parliament from Labor Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and opposition leader Peter Dutton. Albanese praised King Charles III's character and humor, as well as Camilla's charitable works, emphasizing the mutual relationship of affection between the monarchs and the Australian people during their previous visits.
The Prime Minister, while stating he is a republican, acknowledged the monarch's respect for the Australian debate about the British Crown. Despite the differing positions, Albanese emphasized that the gratitude and pride of thousands of Australians for their country remain intact, regardless of incidents like the one that occurred in Parliament.
