In a dramatic turn of events, Australian Senator Lidia Thorpe interrupted King Charles III during his official visit to Australia, declaring, “You are not my Sultan.” The incident, which occurred on the second day of the monarch’s visit, reflects ongoing tensions in Australia regarding Indigenous rights and the country’s ties to the British monarchy. Thorpe, a long-standing advocate for Indigenous sovereignty, has been vocal about her desire for the Australian government to address the historical injustices faced by the nation’s Indigenous population.
During the ceremonial proceedings in Canberra, Australia’s capital, Thorpe disrupted King Charles’ address with a protest that lasted nearly a minute. As King Charles took his seat next to Queen Camilla, Thorpe walked from the back of the room towards the stage, shouting about the treatment of Indigenous Australians. Her bold statement, “This is not your land, and you are not my King,” reverberated through the room, shocking those in attendance. The Senator was swiftly escorted out by security.
Thorpe’s protest followed her remarks about the genocide committed against Indigenous Australians, bringing global attention to a deeply-rooted issue that remains unresolved in the country. Despite the disruption, the ceremony continued without further reference to the incident. Shortly after, King Charles and Queen Camilla greeted the public outside, where they were warmly received by a crowd that had gathered to meet the royal couple.
This protest underscores a long-standing divide in Australian society regarding its ties to the British monarchy. While Australia is a Commonwealth nation with King Charles as its official head of state, there is a growing movement advocating for the country to become a republic. Furthermore, many Indigenous Australians, including Thorpe, stress that they have never ceded sovereignty of their lands to the British Crown. They demand that the government address these grievances through a formal treaty process.
Australia remains one of the few former British colonies that does not have a formal treaty with its Indigenous people. This lack of an agreement has fuelled ongoing debates about the recognition of Indigenous rights and the need for reconciliation. Thorpe has been an ardent supporter of such a treaty and continues to use her platform to draw attention to these issues. Her protest during King Charles’ visit highlights the urgent need for Australia to confront its colonial past and find a way forward that honours Indigenous sovereignty.
The timing of the protest is also significant, as it comes at a moment when the role of the monarchy in Commonwealth nations is under increasing scrutiny. Since the passing of Queen Elizabeth II, there has been renewed debate over the relevance of the monarchy in countries like Australia, where calls for independence from the Crown are growing louder. While King Charles was received with warmth by many Australians, Thorpe’s actions serve as a reminder that not all view the monarchy as a positive force in their nation’s history.
In conclusion, Lidia Thorpe’s protest against King Charles III highlights the unresolved tensions in Australia regarding its colonial history and the treatment of its Indigenous population. Her bold declaration, “You are not my King,” is a powerful statement reflecting the need for continued dialogue and action towards Indigenous rights and sovereignty. As Australia navigates its future, these voices are likely to become even more central to the national conversation.