“You Are Not My King”: King Charles Reflects on Change After Confrontation with Angry Senator
During his first tour of Australia as King, Charles III delivered a heartfelt address to the Australian parliament in Canberra, despite a dramatic interruption by Senator Lidia Thorpe. This visit not only marked his debut royal tour since ascending to the throne but also his first international engagement following his recent cancer diagnosis. The King’s speech struck a poignant chord, addressing Australia’s history, change, and future, while Thorpe’s fiery protest underscored the ongoing tensions surrounding the monarchy’s place in modern Australia.
As King Charles stood before the assembled officials, his composed demeanor contrasted sharply with Thorpe’s passionate outburst. The senator, an outspoken Indigenous rights advocate, interrupted proceedings with a powerful declaration: “You are not my King, this is not your land”, according to PEOPLE. Her voice echoed through the chamber, as she called for a treaty between Australia’s First Nations peoples and the government. “You destroyed our land, give us a treaty — we want a treaty, we want a treaty with this country,” she continued to yell before being escorted out.
Despite the disruption, King Charles maintained his focus, delivering a speech that reflected on both the continuity and evolution of Australia. “In my many visits to Australia, I have witnessed the courage and hope that have guided the nation’s long and sometimes difficult journey towards reconciliation,” he began, acknowledging the country’s history of Indigenous struggles and efforts toward healing, via BBC.
The King went on to express gratitude for the warm welcome extended by Australia’s Prime Minister and took a moment to honor the Indigenous peoples of the land. “I pay respect to the traditional owners of the lands on which we meet, the Ngunnawal people and all First Nations peoples who have loved and cared for this continent for sixty-five thousand years,” Charles said. His words echoed a growing recognition of Australia’s Indigenous heritage, particularly as the country grapples with its colonial past.
A notable segment of his speech, shared widely by Buckingham Palace, emphasized the changes he had witnessed over the years. “Over the six decades since my first visit, I have, of course, witnessed both continuity and great change,” the King noted, highlighting how the country’s identity has transformed while remaining true to its core values. He continued, “It is worth reflecting that Australia’s unique character has endured and also evolved, and that Australia has become a stronger nation as a result of becoming one of the most multicultural on Earth.”
The King’s remarks on multiculturalism resonated with many, reflecting a nation that has grown more diverse and inclusive over time. However, the backdrop of Thorpe’s outburst was a stark reminder that deep divisions remain in Australia, particularly regarding its Indigenous population and the lingering effects of colonization. Thorpe’s call for a treaty speaks to a broader demand for recognition and reparations, an issue that has long haunted the relationship between Indigenous Australians and the government.
The King’s speech also subtly acknowledged the possibility of Australia moving away from the monarchy in the future, an issue that has been a point of contention for years. Aides of the monarch have previously stated that whether Australia remains a monarchy is “a matter for Australian people to decide.” This sentiment aligns with the King’s acknowledgment of the country’s evolving identity, even as his role as sovereign remains.
While the King’s visit aimed to strengthen ties with Australia, it also highlighted the complexities of the monarchy’s place in modern society. Thorpe’s protest, while disruptive, served as a reminder that the journey towards reconciliation and justice for Australia’s First Nations people is far from over. As King Charles reflected on the changes he had seen, it was clear that Australia’s future, much like its past, will be shaped by the voices and actions of its people.