‘Nightmare’ for King Charles During Australia Visit (Video)

King Charles III and Queen Camilla’s tour of Australia, which had previously garnered little attention, took a dramatic turn on Monday. Their visit made global headlines when Indigenous senator Lidia Thorpe interrupted a major event to accuse the British crown of historic atrocities against her people. Thorpe, an outspoken advocate for Indigenous rights, heckled the royal couple for over a minute, calling out the crown for “committing genocide” against Indigenous Australians.

The incident occurred in the Great Hall of Parliament House in Canberra. Charles had just finished a speech reflecting on his past visits to Australia, focusing on climate change when Thorpe, wearing a traditional possum skin cloak, approached the stage. “This is not your country, you are not our king,” she yelled, shocking both the royals and the assembled audience.

Thorpe’s protest continued as she was forcibly removed from the hall, shouting demands for a treaty and the return of stolen lands. “You destroyed our land. Give us a treaty,” she cried. Her interruption highlighted the deep-seated tensions between Indigenous Australians and the crown, reigniting a longstanding debate about colonial history and justice for First Nations people.

Many Indigenous Australians argue that the British invasion of their land was never acknowledged or reconciled with a formal peace treaty. Thorpe, a senator from Victoria, has been vocal in calling for such a treaty, accusing the monarchy of perpetuating injustice by failing to address these historical wrongs.

Thorpe’s actions reflect the broader struggles faced by Australia’s First Peoples, who have long campaigned for recognition, reparations, and land rights. Her protest underscores ongoing frustrations with the monarchy, which many see as a symbol of colonization and oppression. In a statement after the event, Thorpe said, “The crown invaded this country, and it never sought a treaty with First Peoples. King Charles is not the legitimate sovereign of these lands.”

As Charles continues his tour, he may face more opposition. The king is set to attend the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting in Samoa later this week, where similar tensions are likely to arise. Several Caribbean nations have already signaled their intent to address reparations for colonial-era abuses during these meetings.

Adding to the scrutiny, King Charles’ health has come into question, as reports have emerged that his cancer treatment has been paused for the duration of the tour. The king’s appearance and stamina have raised concerns, particularly after he abruptly left a lunch where he was the guest of honor after just ten minutes.

The protest by Thorpe has stirred a mix of reactions. Graham Smith, leader of the British anti-monarchy group Republic, praised the senator’s actions, stating, “Royals should be met by protest. It’s understandable that Australians might object to the monarchy’s legacy of empire and the atrocities inflicted on Indigenous people.”

Charles and Camilla, although shaken by the outburst, continued to meet with supporters afterward. A palace spokesperson declined to comment on the protest but expressed the royal couple’s gratitude to the thousands who had welcomed them on their tour. Yet, the episode serves as a stark reminder of the unresolved history that still looms large in the relationship between the monarchy and Australia’s First Peoples.

Watch the exchange below:

Australia’s relationship with the British monarchy has been complex and contested since the country was declared a British colony in 1788. While many Australians maintain ties to the Commonwealth, Indigenous groups see the crown as a symbol of dispossession and historical injustice. The push for reconciliation and treaty discussions has gained momentum in recent years, especially with calls to formally recognize Indigenous Australians in the constitution.

King Charles’ reign marks a new chapter in these debates, and his legacy may well hinge on how he navigates these unresolved issues.