King Charles faced an unexpected protest during his visit to Australia’s Parliament House on Monday, where Indigenous senator and activist Lidia Thorpe accused him of “genocide” against Indigenous Australians. The outburst came moments after Charles delivered a speech in which he acknowledged and paid respects to the traditional custodians of the land. This marks the monarch’s 16th official visit to Australia and his first major international trip since being diagnosed with cancer.
As Charles concluded his speech, Thorpe, an independent senator and prominent Indigenous rights activist, interrupted by shouting, “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 land. We want a treaty.” Thorpe, who has been known for her vocal protests against the colonization of Australia, was prevented from approaching the king and was promptly escorted out of the chamber by security personnel.
King Charles remained composed during the interruption, quietly speaking to Prime Minister Anthony Albanese on the podium. The protest, though striking, was an isolated incident amidst a day filled with tributes and warm receptions from dignitaries and the general public. Many of those gathered in Parliament House expressed their admiration for the royal family and acknowledged Charles’ long-standing commitment to issues like climate change.
Prime Minister Albanese took the opportunity to praise King Charles in his speech, highlighting the monarch’s decades-long advocacy for environmental issues and his dedication to addressing the threat of climate change. Albanese acknowledged that Charles had earned respect and affection in Australia over the years, commenting on the nation’s evolution since Charles’ first visit decades ago. “The Australia you first knew has grown and evolved in so many ways,” Albanese said. “Yet through these decades of change, our bonds of respect and affection have matured—and endured.”
While Albanese is a known supporter of the republican movement and many in his center-left Labor Party favor Australia becoming a republic, the prime minister made only a brief reference to the issue. He noted that despite Australia’s changing political landscape, the connection between the country and the British monarchy had remained strong. His plans to hold a referendum on turning Australia into a republic were shelved earlier this year after the defeat of a government-backed proposal to create an Indigenous advisory body.
Before the Parliament House event, King Charles and Queen Camilla visited the Australian War Memorial in Canberra, where they were met by a large and enthusiastic crowd. Among the well-wishers was Hephner, a nine-year-old alpaca dressed in a regal outfit complete with a crown. The alpaca, whose name is a nod to Playboy founder Hugh Hefner, waited for hours with his owner, Robert Fletcher, for the chance to greet the royal couple.
“He has many outfits, and this is one we’ve saved specifically for today,” said Fletcher, referring to the alpaca’s attire. “One king meets another king.” During the royal couple’s 30-minute walk to greet the crowds, Charles stopped to pat Hephner, only to pull back in amusement when the alpaca snorted in his direction. The encounter provided a light-hearted moment in an otherwise formal day.
Charles and Camilla’s visit to Australia is part of a broader tour of the region, with the royal couple scheduled to travel to Sydney on Tuesday. After their stop in Australia, they will head to Samoa, where King Charles is set to attend a meeting of countries in the British Commonwealth.
While the protest by Lidia Thorpe drew attention to the complex legacy of colonization in Australia, the overwhelming mood during Charles’ visit was one of celebration and respect. Many Australians turned out in droves to catch a glimpse of the king and queen, underscoring the enduring connection between the British monarchy and its former colony.
Despite growing calls for Australia to sever its ties with the monarchy in recent years, particularly among Indigenous and progressive groups, the royal family continues to hold a special place in the hearts of many Australians. As Charles navigates his role as king, his visit to Australia reflects both the deep-rooted historical ties and the ongoing conversations about the country’s future, including issues of Indigenous rights, climate change, and republicanism.
For now, King Charles’ visit continues as planned, with public appearances, speeches, and engagements designed to reinforce the enduring relationship between Australia and the British Crown. However, the protest by Thorpe is a reminder that for some, the wounds of colonization remain fresh, and calls for recognition, reparations, and treaty continue to be pressing issues in Australia’s national discourse.
