Crowning Controversy: 'Gives us what you stole from us,' Australian senator yells at King Charles

During King Charles III's visit to Australia’s Parliament on Monday, tensions over the nation's colonial past and future constitutional direction came to the forefront. Indigenous Senator Lidia Thorpe disrupted the royal reception, asserting that the land belongs to Indigenous Australians, not the British Crown.

"You committed genocide against our people," Thorpe shouted, as security escorted her out. "Give us what you stole from us – our bones, our skulls, our babies, our people. You destroyed our land. Give us a treaty. We want a treaty." Thorpe’s protest underscored ongoing demands for recognition and reparations from Australia’s Indigenous communities.

As Thorpe was removed, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese conversed quietly with King Charles, later reiterating his vision for a republic with an Australian head of state. "Nothing stands still," Albanese remarked, acknowledging Charles’ respect for Australians but signaling the need for constitutional change.


Opposition leader Peter Dutton, however, emphasized support for the monarchy. "People have had haircuts, people have shined shoes, suits have been pressed—and that’s just the republicans," Dutton joked, pointing to the symbolic importance of the royal visit even among those favoring a republic.

State Leaders Decline Invitation to Royal Reception
The absence of Australia’s six state government leaders at the reception highlighted the political divide over the monarchy. Each leader, preferring an Australian head of state, cited pressing engagements as reasons for not attending. Monarchists viewed the absence as a snub to the royal couple.

King Charles opened his speech by acknowledging Australia’s First Nations people, saying, "Let me also say how deeply I appreciated this morning's moving Welcome to Country ceremony, which offers me the opportunity to pay my respects to the traditional owners of the lands on which we meet, the Ngunnawal people, and all First Nations peoples who have loved and cared for this continent for 65,000 years."

Charles also expressed gratitude for the cultural exchange with Indigenous Australians, remarking that their stories and traditions had enriched his understanding throughout his life.

Australia's Republic Debate Resurfaces
Australia last voted to retain the British monarch as head of state in a 1999 referendum, a result attributed to disagreements over the selection process for a president rather than support for the monarchy. Prime Minister Albanese has ruled out holding another referendum during his current term, though it remains a possibility if his Labour Party is re-elected in 2024.

In December, the Australian Republic Movement (ARM) requested a meeting with King Charles to discuss their cause, but Buckingham Palace deferred the matter to the Australian government. A meeting with the ARM is not part of the king’s official itinerary.

The Royal Visit and Public Engagement
Despite the political tensions, Charles and Queen Camilla received a warm public welcome. On Monday morning, they laid wreaths at the Australian War Memorial in Canberra and met with well-wishers. Around 4,000 people gathered to greet the couple, reflecting continued public interest in the royal family.

This is Charles’ 17th visit to Australia and his first since becoming king in 2022. It is also the first visit by a reigning British monarch to the country since Queen Elizabeth II’s 2011 trip.

The king’s itinerary has been scaled down due to his ongoing cancer treatment. On Wednesday, Charles will travel to Samoa to inaugurate the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting, marking the next step in his tour of the region.