Has the King’s tour of Australia been overshadowed by the protests? Vote in our poll
King Charles and Queen Camilla were accused of “committing genocide” by an Indigenous senator at Australia’s Parliament on Monday – and we want to hear your thoughts on whether the protest has overshadowed the royal tour.
As part of their five-day tour of Australia, the King addressed politicians and dignatories in the Great Hall of Parliament House, before being approached by politician Lidia Thorpe, who said: “This is not your country.”
Dressed in indigenous clothing and holding a piece of paper, the decolonise for Victoria, shouted: “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 lands, give us a treaty, we want a treaty in the country, you are a genocidalist. This is not your land, this is not your land, you are not my King, you are not our King.” She was also heard shouting “not my King” and “f**k the colony” as she was led out after 30 seconds.
The King appeared unfazed by the outburst, as he spoke quietly to Prime Minister Anthony Albanese on the podium. Former prime minister Tony Abbott, slammed the protest by Ms Thorpe, saying: “It’s unfortunate political exhibitionism, that’s all I’d say.”
The royal couple have faced a number of protests during their visit to the former British colony, where Charles still serves as head of state. As reported by the BBC, Australia remains the only Commonwealth country to have never signed a treaty with its indigenous people. Since the royals’ arrival on Friday, protestors have held banners with the message “decolonise”, while others chanted: “Always was, always will be Aboriginal land.”
