King Charles faced unexpected criticism during his visit to Australia, as he was heckled by an independent senator after finishing an address at Parliament House in Canberra. Lidia Thorpe, an Aboriginal Australian woman, interrupted the ceremony by shouting, “you are not my King” and accusing the royal family of being on stolen land.
Despite the interruption, Aboriginal elder Aunty Violet Sheridan, who had welcomed the King and Queen earlier in the ceremony, expressed that Thorpe’s protest was disrespectful and that she did not speak for her. The ceremony continued without any further reference to the incident, and the royal couple proceeded to meet with members of the public waiting outside to greet them.
The incident highlights the ongoing tensions surrounding the British monarchy’s relationship with Indigenous peoples in Australia. While some individuals, like Thorpe, feel strongly about the historical injustices faced by Aboriginal communities, others, such as Aunty Violet Sheridan, may have a different perspective on how to engage with the royal family.
As King Charles continues his engagements in the country, this incident serves as a reminder of the complexities and divisions that exist within Australian society when it comes to issues of colonization, land rights, and reconciliation.
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