King Charles III's recent visit to Australia took a dramatic turn when Indigenous senator Lidia Thorpe interrupted his speech in the Australian Parliament, resulting in a highly charged exchange. As the King concluded his remarks, Thorpe shouted, “You are not our king. Give us our land back. Give us what you stole from us,” a statement that resonated deeply and drew attention to the ongoing struggles of Aboriginal rights in the country.
Dressed in a traditional possum skin cloak, Thorpe was quickly escorted out by security personnel but continued her protest, accusing British colonialists of genocide and demanding a treaty with the Indigenous population. Her passionate outcry included stark references to the impact of colonization on Indigenous peoples, emphasizing the historical and ongoing injustices faced by Aboriginal communities in Australia.
This interruption marked a significant moment in King Charles's first visit to Australia since ascending the throne in 2022. Thorpe, known for her vocal activism against colonialism and for Aboriginal rights, had previously made headlines by denouncing the monarchy. During her swearing-in ceremony in 2022, she famously raised a fist in a Black power salute and referred to the late Queen Elizabeth II as "the colonizing Her Majesty."
In response to the disruption, Buckingham Palace remained reticent, with a source expressing that Charles and Camilla were grateful for the warm reception they received from those supporting their visit. However, the palace's silence on the protest itself drew attention to the complex legacy of colonialism that still affects relationships within the Commonwealth.
This trip, deemed the King’s most significant foreign journey amid health concerns following a recent cancer diagnosis, has a carefully planned itinerary allowing for rest. After arriving in Sydney, the royal couple took a day off before participating in public engagements and services.
The visit to Australia precedes additional engagements in Samoa, where the repercussions of Britain’s colonial past may again come to light as Caribbean leaders are anticipated to advocate for reparations related to slavery and the effects of climate change on their islands. Charles's experience in Australia may serve as a stark reminder of the deep-rooted issues stemming from colonial history, which continue to demand acknowledgement and reparative action.
