Indigenous Senator’s Strong Message to King Charles: Demanding Land and Recognition

In Canberra, Australia, King Charles III recently visited Parliament House to meet leaders, including Prime Minister Anthony Albanese. During his speech, the King acknowledged Australia’s First Nations people, highlighting their rich history on the land before British settlers arrived over 230 years ago. However, the visit was marked by a powerful interruption from Independent Senator Lidia Thorpe, an Indigenous DjabWurrung Gunnai Gunditjmara woman. From the back of the room, Thorpe shouted, "You are not my king, " demanding that the royal couple return the stolen land. Security quickly moved to escort her out. Thorpe’s protest underscores the ongoing tensions between Australia’s Indigenous population and the British monarchy. The arrival of British settlers led to widespread massacres and systemic discrimination against Indigenous people. Despite this, Australia remains a Commonwealth country with the King as its Head of State. Thorpe has long advocated for a treaty and has been vocal about her objections to the British monarchy, even referring to Queen Elizabeth II as "the colonizing Her Majesty" during her swearing-in ceremony in 2022.

Before her outburst, Thorpe turned her back during the recital of "God Save the King, " wearing a possum-fur coat as a symbol of her culture. Outside, protesters waved Aboriginal flags, and one man was arrested for not following police directions. The Greens party emphasized that the King’s presence serves as both a momentous occasion and a reminder of colonial trauma for many First Nations people. They urged the King to support First Nations justice and healing. The Australian Monarchist League called for Thorpe’s resignation, labeling her protest as childish. King Charles and Queen Camilla’s visit began in Sydney, where an alpaca named Hephner sneezed on the King during a meet and greet. Royal supporters welcomed the couple, highlighting their charitable work and community service. The King also planted trees to show his interest in environmental issues. The royal couple’s tour continues, with a public reception in Sydney and a trip to Samoa for the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting.

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