Indigenous Senator Lidia Thorpe Confronts King Charles in Australia, Demands Justice for First Nations

During a high-profile visit to Australia, King Charles III was met with a protest by Indigenous senator Lidia Thorpe, who accused the British monarchy of historical injustices against First Nations people. As the King finished addressing Australia’s Parliament House in Canberra, Thorpe interrupted the ceremony by shouting, “You are not my King” and accusing the Crown of genocide and land theft.

Thorpe, an independent senator from Victoria and an advocate for Indigenous rights, was escorted out by security after the brief protest. She later defended her actions, stating, “He is not of this land,” and called on King Charles to support a peace treaty between the Australian government and Indigenous people, who have never ceded their sovereignty.

The protest came as the royal couple, King Charles and Queen Camilla, met with Australian leaders and addressed the nation’s complex relationship with its Indigenous population. In his speech, King Charles acknowledged the history of Australia’s First Nations, praising the wisdom and resilience of Indigenous communities. “Throughout my life, Australia’s First Nations people have shared their stories and cultures with me, shaping my understanding of this land,” he said.

Thorpe’s intervention sparked mixed reactions. Aboriginal elder Aunty Violet Sheridan, who welcomed the King earlier, criticized the protest as disrespectful, stating, “She does not speak for me.” Meanwhile, the royal couple continued with their planned engagements, greeting crowds who had gathered to see them despite the disruptions.

Australia’s relationship with the British monarchy has long been a subject of debate, particularly regarding Indigenous issues. In 1999, a referendum to become a republic failed, but support for cutting ties with the monarchy has grown in recent years. Thorpe, a former member of the Greens party, has been a vocal advocate for Indigenous rights and has previously staged public protests.

King Charles’s visit, his first as monarch, comes amid his ongoing cancer treatment, with the royal schedule shortened due to his health. Despite the protest, the visit has highlighted the ongoing conversation around Australia’s colonial history, Indigenous sovereignty, and the future of the monarchy in the country.