Australian Senator Lidia Thorpe has come under heavy criticism for her controversial comments targeting King Charles III during his visit to Australia, amid reports that the monarch is undergoing cancer treatment. The incident, which has sparked outrage among various segments of the public, occurred during King Charles’ address at Australia’s Parliament House. Thorpe, an independent senator and a vocal advocate for Indigenous rights, interrupted the King’s speech by shouting, “You are not my King” and “You are not sovereign,” before being removed from the venue.
The timing of Thorpe’s protest, coinciding with the King’s cancer treatment, has particularly drawn sharp rebuke, with critics labeling her actions as “disgusting” and showing “utter disrespect.” Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and other political figures condemned the senator’s behavior, arguing that regardless of political views, there are boundaries of decorum that should be respected, especially during such a personal time for the monarch.
Senator Thorpe has a history of outspoken actions against the British monarchy and its legacy of colonization. In previous instances, she has demanded that the British Crown issue a formal apology for what she describes as the “genocidal project” initiated through colonization in Australia. She, along with representatives from 12 other Commonwealth nations, has called for reparations, an apology, and the return of cultural artifacts taken during the colonial era. Thorpe’s comments have consistently centered around the historical and ongoing injustices faced by Indigenous Australians as a result of British colonization. Her most recent outburst follows a pattern of sharp criticism directed at the monarchy, which she views as a symbol of colonial oppression.
The backlash from the public and political leaders is significant, with many arguing that Thorpe’s actions were ill-timed and lacked the sensitivity warranted by King Charles’ current health situation. However, her supporters maintain that her actions are a form of legitimate protest, rooted in the deeply felt historical grievances of Australia’s Indigenous population. They argue that her stance highlights the continuing struggles of Indigenous Australians for recognition and justice, even if her method of protest has been deemed inappropriate by some.
King Charles, currently undergoing treatment for cancer, has not publicly responded to the incident. Nonetheless, the situation has stirred a broader debate in Australia about the role of the monarchy in modern society and the legacy of British colonialism. The King has previously acknowledged the pain caused by Britain’s colonial past and has supported efforts to better understand the monarchy’s role in slavery and colonization, but has not yet issued the formal apology that Thorpe and other activists have demanded.
As public discourse around Indigenous rights continues to evolve, Thorpe’s actions serve as a stark reminder of the tensions surrounding Australia’s colonial past. The protest underscores the complex relationship between Australia and the British monarchy, particularly in light of the recent referendum on an Indigenous Voice to Parliament, which sought to give Aboriginal Australians a greater role in political decision-making. The results of that referendum, which ultimately did not pass, have further polarized the national conversation around these issues, with Thorpe’s latest protest adding fuel to the already contentious debate.
In summary, Senator Lidia Thorpe’s vocal criticism of King Charles during his visit to Australia has ignited a national debate, with reactions ranging from outrage to support. While many view her protest as crossing a line of respect, particularly during a time of personal health challenges for the monarch, her actions continue to shine a spotlight on the unresolved historical issues between Indigenous Australians and the British monarchy.