King Charles III Australian Parliament Visit Sparks Protest: “You Are Not My King!”

King Charles III's speech in Australia was interrupted by Indigenous Senator Lidia Thorpe, who shouted demands for land restitution and justice for Indigenous people. While the King acknowledged Australia's First Nations in his address, Thorpe's protest highlighted ongoing colonial trauma and the call for a treaty with the British Crown.

Senator Voices Opposition to Monarchy

King Charles III encountered unexpected opposition during his visit to Australia’s Parliament House on Monday when Independent Senator Lidia Thorpe shouted, “You are not my king,” following his speech. Thorpe, a DjabWurrung Gunnai Gunditjmara woman, demanded the return of Indigenous land, claiming, “Give us our land back, give us what you stole,” as security escorted her from the room. The protest occurred during the royal couple’s meeting with Australian leaders, including Prime Minister Anthony Albanese.

King Acknowledges First Nations Culture Amid Protests

In his address, King Charles acknowledged the contributions of Australia’s First Nations people, emphasizing the value of their shared stories and cultures. Despite the royal couple being welcomed with a traditional Aboriginal ceremony, many Indigenous Australians feel excluded from the monarchy’s celebrations, given the historical context of British colonization that resulted in significant trauma and discrimination for Indigenous communities. Thorpe has long advocated for a treaty and has criticized the monarchy for its colonial legacy.