During a protest in Australia, Senator Lydia Thorpe confronted King Charles, accusing the monarchy of "mass murder" against First Nations peoples. After his speech at the Australian Parliament in Canberra, she expressed her anger by declaring, "You are not my king," and called for a treaty between Australia and its First Nations peoples.
Thorpe's verbal attack highlighted the historical injustices faced by Indigenous populations, demanding the return of land and recognition of their sovereignty.
Despite the protests, King Charles remained composed, continuing his royal engagements, including interactions with well-wishers at a national memorial. The protests featured banners urging decolonization, reflecting broader sentiments regarding Australia's relationship with the monarchy.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese aims for a future referendum on becoming a republic, but plans are complicated by recent public opinion polling that indicated resistance to increased political rights for Indigenous peoples.