King Charles and Queen Camilla were confronted by an Indigenous senator during their five-day trip to Australia, who accused them of “committing genocide” – and we want to hear your thoughts
King Charles and Queen Camilla were accused of “committing genocide” by an Indigenous senator at Australia’s Parliament on Monday – and we want to hear your thoughts on whether the protest has overshadowed the royal tour.
As part of their five-day tour of Australia, the King addressed politicians and dignatories in the Great Hall of Parliament House, before being approached by politician Lidia Thorpe, who said: “This is not your country.”
Dressed in indigenous clothing and holding a piece of paper, the decolonise for Victoria, shouted: “You committed genocide against our people. Give us our land back. Give us what you stole from us – our bones, our skulls, our babies, our people.
“You destroyed our lands, give us a treaty, we want a treaty in the country, you are a genocidalist. This is not your land, this is not your land, you are not my King, you are not our King.” She was also heard shouting “not my King” and “f**k the colony” as she was led out after 30 seconds.
The King appeared unfazed by the outburst, as he spoke quietly to Prime Minister Anthony Albanese on the podium. Former prime minister Tony Abbott, slammed the protest by Ms Thorpe, saying: “It’s unfortunate political exhibitionism, that’s all I’d say.”
The royal couple have faced a number of protests during their visit to the former British colony, where Charles still serves as head of state. As reported by the BBC, Australia remains the only Commonwealth country to have never signed a treaty with its indigenous people. Since the royals’ arrival on Friday, protestors have held banners with the message “decolonise”, while others chanted: “Always was, always will be Aboriginal land.”
In a statement released last week, Ms Thorpe called for Australia to become a republic and form a treaty with First Nations people. She penned: “As First Peoples, we never ceded our sovereignty over this land.
“The crown invaded this country, has not sought treaty with First Peoples, and committed a genocide of our people. King Charles is not the legitimate sovereign of these lands. Any move towards a republic must not continue this injustice. Treaty must play a central role in establishing an independent nation.”
Ahead of the display at Parliament, Mr Albanese welcomed the King, saying: “You have shown great respect for Australians, even during times where we’ve debated the future of our own constitutional arrangements and the nature of our relationship with the crown.” Last year, a YouGov poll revealed that one in three Australians supported becoming as republic as soon as possible, while a similar number wanted to remain a constitutional monarchy for the long-term.
Earlier in the day the King had been welcomed to Canberra by becoming the first British monarch to take part in an indigenous “smoking ceremony”. He also left floral tributes in recognition of Australian Defence Force troops who paid the ultimate sacrifice they walked the short distance to the memorial’s roll of honour.
Following the latest demonstrations, we want to know if you think the Australian protests have overshadowed King Charles’ royal tour? Vote in our poll HERE to have your say.
