King Charles III, aged 75, faced a diplomatic cold shoulder from some Australian political figures on his six-day royal tour, which kicked off on Friday, October 18, 2024. A high-profile reception on October 21 in Canberra, to honor the King and Queen Camilla, lacked the presence of any state premiers, a move seen by some as a notable disregard for the British monarch.
The reception, a significant event marking the King’s inaugural visit to Australia in his monarchial capacity, aimed to bring together community leaders, cultural figures, and notable individuals from various fields. However, the reported non-attendance of senior political figures, including all state premiers due to multiple scheduling conflicts, is perceived by some as a mark of disrespect towards the British royal family.
The rationale behind the snub spans across the political gamut. Queensland’s Premier Steven Miles is engaged with his ongoing election campaign. Cabinet commitments led Western Australia Premier Roger Cook, South Australia’s Peter Malinauskas, and New South Wales Premier Chris Minns to decline their invites. Victoria’s Premier Jacinta Allan sent a junior representative in her place, while Deputy Premier Ben Carroll was also unavailable. Tasmania’s Premier Jeremy Rockliff is in the United States on a trade mission during the King’s visit.
This diplomatic indifference comes amid broader debates over the future role of the monarchy in Australia. Polling data suggests that under King Charles, support for an Australian republic has decreased, with only a third of Australians favoring a shift to a republic, a drop from the 39.4% who backed the idea in the 1999 referendum. Despite the political cold shoulder, King Charles remains committed to strengthening relations with Australia, where he has traditionally been a popular figure.
The tour represents the 17th time Charles has visited Australia, but it’s his first time as King since his coronation in September 2022. King Charles and Queen Camilla are participating in several public events to spotlight their charity work, including initiatives on environmental conservation and domestic violence prevention. The trip also includes a visit to Samoa for the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM).
However, concerns regarding King Charles’s health status have cast a shadow over the tour. Earlier this year, the King disclosed that he was battling cancer and receiving regular treatment in London. To ensure his involvement in the Australian tour, King Charles has temporarily halted his treatments. Some interpret the decision to push ahead with the tour as a display of his resolve to continue fulfilling his royal duties despite his health complications.
Even with adjustments to the King’s schedule to accommodate his health, the tour poses a significant challenge. Australian media will be monitoring closely the King’s capacity to manage a demanding itinerary. The Royal Family is aware that any deviation, such as a canceled event or a public health incident, could ignite worries about the King’s long-term ability to carry out his duties.
A 21-gun salute announced the King’s arrival at Parliament House in Canberra, and during his address, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese praised the royal couple for their philanthropic efforts.
He also remarked on the King’s early recognition of the serious issue of climate change and the urgent need for humanity to engage in significant and effective measures to address it.
After the King gave a speech, Senator Lidia Thorpe, an Indigenous Australian, created a scene by shouting “You are not my King” at the King. From the rear of the room, she yelled at the royal couple, “Return our land, return what you took,” while security personnel approached to escort her out.
A traditional Aboriginal welcoming ceremony took place outside Parliament House for the royal couple; however, many members of the nation’s Indigenous community feel they are not truly welcome.
Her actions emphasized Indigenous Australian grievances against the monarchy, stemming from the long history of British colonization on the continent.
On Monday, October 21, demonstrators gathered with an Aboriginal flag while the royal couple toured the Australian War Memorial. A 62-year-old man was taken into custody for not following a police directive.
Even with the demonstrations, a large number of people were excited to catch a glimpse of the royals, forming lines outside Parliament House throughout the morning under the harsh Canberra sun while waving Australian flags.
