On his first visit to Australia since becoming head of the state in September 2022, King Charles was heckled by Indigenous senator Lidia Thorpe&nbsp;just as he concluded his speech at Australia’s Parliament House in Canberra.&nbsp;

King Charles addressed MPs and senators in the Great Hall of Parliament House on Monday during his visit to the country. As he finished his speech about his school time in Australia, the COVID-19 pandemic, and climate issues, Lidia Thorpe approached the stage and started protesting.

Thorpe, an independent senator from Victoria and an advocate for Indigenous rights, verbally attacked King Charles and accused him of committing “genocide” against Indigenous people in Commonwealth countries. She demanded a treaty between the First Nations and the government.

“You committed genocide against our people. Give us our land back. Give us what you stole from us – our bones, our skulls, our babies, our people,” shouted Thorpe.

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“You destroyed our land. Give us a treaty. We want a treaty in this country. You are a genocidalist.”

As she was ushered outside the hall by security, she yelled, “This is not your land. You are not my king. You are not our king.”

During their five-day tour of Australia, Charles and Camilla faced some protests by the supporters of First Nations, who are opposing colonisation and displaying banners with “decolonise” written on them.

Despite some protests, many others were joyful to welcome the Royals as they waited outside the Parliament House. Charles and Camilla were greeted at the Parliament House by Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and opposition leader Peter Dutton.

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<h2>Demand for republic state</h2>

Before her protest in the parliament, Thorpe released a statement arguing that Australia should establish a treaty with First Nations people and become a republic state.

“As First Peoples, we never ceded our sovereignty over this land. The crown invaded this country, has not sought treaty with First Peoples, and committed a genocide of our people. King Charles is not the legitimate sovereign of these lands. Any move towards a republic must not continue this injustice. Treaty must play a central role in establishing an independent nation.”

Thorpe added, “Any move towards a republic must not continue this injustice. Treaty must play a central role in establishing an independent nation. A republic without a Treaty must not happen.”

Australia is a Commonwealth country under the monarch. However, recently there has been a debate about removing the monarch from the head of the state.

(With inputs from agencies)

On his first visit to Australia since becoming head of the state in September 2022, King Charles was heckled by Indigenous senator Lidia Thorpe just as he concluded his speech at Australia’s Parliament House in Canberra.

On his first visit to Australia since becoming head of the state in September 2022, King Charles was heckled by Indigenous senator Lidia Thorpe just as he concluded his speech at Australia’s Parliament House in Canberra. King Charles addressed MPs and senators in the Great Hall of Parliament House on Monday during his visit to the country. As he finished his speech about his school time in Australia, the COVID-19 pandemic, and climate issues, Lidia Thorpe approached the stage and started protesting. Thorpe, an independent senator from Victoria and an advocate for Indigenous rights, verbally attacked King Charles and accused him of committing “genocide” against Indigenous people in Commonwealth countries. She demanded a treaty between the First Nations and the government. “You committed genocide against our people. Give us our land back. Give us what you stole from us – our bones, our skulls, our babies, our people,” shouted Thorpe. Also read | Australia introduces a new visa regime for young Indians “You destroyed our land. Give us a treaty. We want a treaty in this country. You are a genocidalist.” As she was ushered outside the hall by security, she yelled, “This is not your land. You are not my king. You are not our king.” During their five-day tour of Australia, Charles and Camilla faced some protests by the supporters of First Nations, who are opposing colonisation and displaying banners with “decolonise” written on them. Despite some protests, many others were joyful to welcome the Royals as they waited outside the Parliament House. Charles and Camilla were greeted at the Parliament House by Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and opposition leader Peter Dutton. Also read | Will Australia ban social media for teens? Fears rise of move isolating them Demand for republic state Before her protest in the parliament, Thorpe released a statement arguing that Australia should establish a treaty with First Nations people and become a republic state. “As First Peoples, we never ceded our sovereignty over this land. The crown invaded this country, has not sought treaty with First Peoples, and committed a genocide of our people. King Charles is not the legitimate sovereign of these lands. Any move towards a republic must not continue this injustice. Treaty must play a central role in establishing an independent nation.” Thorpe added, “Any move towards a republic must not continue this injustice. Treaty must play a central role in establishing an independent nation. A republic without a Treaty must not happen.” Australia is a Commonwealth country under the monarch. However, recently there has been a debate about removing the monarch from the head of the state. (With inputs from agencies)

‘You are not our king’: King Charles accused of ‘genocide’ by Australian senator

Prince Charles told Commonwealth leaders gathered at Rwanda that each member state had the right to decide to become a republic amid growing movement in Caribbean nations&nbsp;that have expressed their wish to break away from the British monarchy.

"I want to say clearly, as I have said before, that each member's constitutional arrangement, as republic or monarchy, is purely a matter for each member country to decide," Charles said at the gathering of Commonwealth nations.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/prince-charles-calls-uks-rwanda-migrants-policy-appalling-reports-487241">Also Read:&nbsp;Prince Charles calls UK's Rwanda migrants policy 'appalling'</a>

"The benefit of long life brings me the experience that arrangements such as these can change, calmly and without rancour,” Charles added.&nbsp;

Charles is representing Queen Elizabeth II at the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) in Rwanda. Charles said there would always be "a free association of independent, self-governing nations".

Watch:&nbsp;Prince Charles attends the Commonwealth Summit

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“The Commonwealth contains within it countries that have had constitutional relationships with my family, some that continue to do so, and increasingly those that have had none," Charles said.

The British heir to the throne also expressed "personal sorrow" at Britain's legacy of slavery. 
&nbsp; 
"I cannot describe the depths of my personal sorrow at the suffering of so many, as I continue to deepen my own understanding of slavery's enduring impact," he said.

The move comes&nbsp;as British Prime Minister Boris Johnson defended his&nbsp;government's decision to send migrants from the UK back to Rwanda amid fierce resistance from the UN and other rights bodies.

(With inputs from Agencies)

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Prince Charles told Commonwealth leaders gathered at Rwanda that each member state had the right to decide to become a republic amid growing movement in Caribbean nations that have expressed their wish to break away from the British monarchy.

Prince Charles told Commonwealth leaders gathered at Rwanda that each member state had the right to decide to become a republic amid growing movement in Caribbean nations that have expressed their wish to break away from the British monarchy. "I want to say clearly, as I have said before, that each member's constitutional arrangement, as republic or monarchy, is purely a matter for each member country to decide," Charles said at the gathering of Commonwealth nations. Also Read: Prince Charles calls UK's Rwanda migrants policy 'appalling' "The benefit of long life brings me the experience that arrangements such as these can change, calmly and without rancour,” Charles added. Charles is representing Queen Elizabeth II at the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) in Rwanda. Charles said there would always be "a free association of independent, self-governing nations". Watch: Prince Charles attends the Commonwealth Summit “The Commonwealth contains within it countries that have had constitutional relationships with my family, some that continue to do so, and increasingly those that have had none," Charles said. The British heir to the throne also expressed "personal sorrow" at Britain's legacy of slavery. "I cannot describe the depths of my personal sorrow at the suffering of so many, as I continue to deepen my own understanding of slavery's enduring impact," he said. The move comes as British Prime Minister Boris Johnson defended his government's decision to send migrants from the UK back to Rwanda amid fierce resistance from the UN and other rights bodies. (With inputs from Agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Queen as head of state: Commonwealth members can decide own course, says Prince Charles

The Maldives rejoined the Commonwealth, three years after the&nbsp;neighbouring island quit the organisation over criticism of its human rights record, country's President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih announced on Saturday.

"I had a conversation with the Commonwealth’s Secretary General who informed me that the Maldives has been formally reinstated into the Commonwealth as it’s 54th member state. We shall long strive to uphold the Commonwealth’s values of democracy and human rights," wrote Solih on Twitter.

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A short while ago, I had a conversation with the Commonwealth’s Secretary General who informed me that the Maldives has been formally reinstated into the Commonwealth as it’s 54th member state. We shall long strive to uphold the Commonwealth’s values of democracy and human rights
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After Maldives' readmission, the count of Commonwealth countries is not at 54.

The latest development came hours&nbsp;after the<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/new-era-for-divided-britain-as-it-leaves-european-union-277925"> UK sealed officially left the European Union</a> on January 31.

Welcoming the Maldives back to political association which include countries that were territories of the British Empire,&nbsp;Commonwealth Secretary-General Patricia Scotland said, "The reform process underway in the Maldives aligns with the values and principles of the Commonwealth and we encourage the nation to continue on this path."&nbsp;

"Commonwealth members were pleased to note these developments and are happy once again to count the Maldives as a member of the family. Together we will support the Maldives to realise its ambitions," Patricia Scotland also said.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/brexit-what-changes-and-what-stays-the-same-for-uk-277885">Also read | Brexit: What changes and what stays the same for UK?</a>

Maldives joined the Commonwealth in 1982 and was a member until it withdrew in October, 2016. The Republic had quit&nbsp;after it was threatened with suspension over its human rights record and lack of progress on democratic reform.

In December 2018, President Ibrahim Mohamed Solid wrote to Commonwealth Secretary-General and requested to rejoin the political association.&nbsp;

The Commonwealth Secretariat said that the assessment included two site visits to the country followed by positive feedback given by a Commonwealth Observer Group which was present for the Parliamentary Elections in April 2019.

Maldives Ambassador to the UK Farah Faizal, now becomes its High Commissioner, signifying Commonwealth membership.

The Commonwealth is a political association of 54 member states, nearly all of them former territories of the British Empire. Its members have agreed to shared goals like development, democracy and peace.

Any country can join the modern Commonwealth. The last country to join the Commonwealth was Rwanda in 2009.

(With inputs from agenices)

The Maldives rejoined the Commonwealth, three years after the neighbouring island quit the organisation over criticism of its human rights record, country's President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih announced on Saturday.

The Maldives rejoined the Commonwealth, three years after the neighbouring island quit the organisation over criticism of its human rights record, country's President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih announced on Saturday. "I had a conversation with the Commonwealth’s Secretary General who informed me that the Maldives has been formally reinstated into the Commonwealth as it’s 54th member state. We shall long strive to uphold the Commonwealth’s values of democracy and human rights," wrote Solih on Twitter. A short while ago, I had a conversation with the Commonwealth’s Secretary General who informed me that the Maldives has been formally reinstated into the Commonwealth as it’s 54th member state. We shall long strive to uphold the Commonwealth’s values of democracy and human rights — Ibrahim Mohamed Solih (@ibusolih) February 1, 2020 × After Maldives' readmission, the count of Commonwealth countries is not at 54. The latest development came hours after the UK sealed officially left the European Union on January 31. Welcoming the Maldives back to political association which include countries that were territories of the British Empire, Commonwealth Secretary-General Patricia Scotland said, "The reform process underway in the Maldives aligns with the values and principles of the Commonwealth and we encourage the nation to continue on this path." "Commonwealth members were pleased to note these developments and are happy once again to count the Maldives as a member of the family. Together we will support the Maldives to realise its ambitions," Patricia Scotland also said. Also read | Brexit: What changes and what stays the same for UK? Maldives joined the Commonwealth in 1982 and was a member until it withdrew in October, 2016. The Republic had quit after it was threatened with suspension over its human rights record and lack of progress on democratic reform. In December 2018, President Ibrahim Mohamed Solid wrote to Commonwealth Secretary-General and requested to rejoin the political association. The Commonwealth Secretariat said that the assessment included two site visits to the country followed by positive feedback given by a Commonwealth Observer Group which was present for the Parliamentary Elections in April 2019. Maldives Ambassador to the UK Farah Faizal, now becomes its High Commissioner, signifying Commonwealth membership. The Commonwealth is a political association of 54 member states, nearly all of them former territories of the British Empire. Its members have agreed to shared goals like development, democracy and peace. Any country can join the modern Commonwealth. The last country to join the Commonwealth was Rwanda in 2009. (With inputs from agenices)

As UK leaves European Union, Maldives rejoins Commonwealth

Speaking at the first Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting(CHOGM), British PM Theresa May today spoke of "global challenges" which included climate change and cyber attacks.

Earlier in the day, Britain's queen Elizabeth II at the Buckingham Palace said: "I will decide that one day the Prince of Wales should carry on the important work started by my father in 1949 by continuing to treasure and reinvigorate our associations and activities."

The meeting is being attended by heads of 53 Commonwealth countries including Prime Minister Modi is widely seen as an attempt by Britain and its former colonies to reconnect with each other to develop trade and deepen diplomatic and defence&nbsp;ties.

"It is my sincere wish that the Commonwealth will continue to offer stability and continuity for future generations," queen Elizabeth II said.

The meeting is taking place in London for the first time in 20 years. India had earlier skipped three CHOGM meetings, however, this time PM Modi decided to attend it himself in order to broaden India's strategic ties with the rest of the Commonwealth countries which is one of the biggest global groupings in the world.

Prince Charles, 69, made an informal pitch for the role in his remarks at the event in Buckingham Palace: "For my part, the Commonwealth has been a fundamental feature of my life for as long as I can remember."

The meeting is being attended by heads of 53 Commonwealth countries including Prime Minister Modi

Speaking at the first Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting(CHOGM), British PM Theresa May today spoke of "global challenges" which included climate change and cyber attacks. Earlier in the day, Britain's queen Elizabeth II at the Buckingham Palace said: "I will decide that one day the Prince of Wales should carry on the important work started by my father in 1949 by continuing to treasure and reinvigorate our associations and activities." The meeting is being attended by heads of 53 Commonwealth countries including Prime Minister Modi is widely seen as an attempt by Britain and its former colonies to reconnect with each other to develop trade and deepen diplomatic and defence ties. "It is my sincere wish that the Commonwealth will continue to offer stability and continuity for future generations," queen Elizabeth II said. The meeting is taking place in London for the first time in 20 years. India had earlier skipped three CHOGM meetings, however, this time PM Modi decided to attend it himself in order to broaden India's strategic ties with the rest of the Commonwealth countries which is one of the biggest global groupings in the world. Prince Charles, 69, made an informal pitch for the role in his remarks at the event in Buckingham Palace: "For my part, the Commonwealth has been a fundamental feature of my life for as long as I can remember."

Watch: Britain opens CHOGM as PM Theresa May warns of 'global challenges'

British Prime Minister Theresa May on Monday extolled the benefits of free trade among Commonwealth countries, seeking new sources of commerce as Britain looks to finalise divorce terms with its current biggest trading partner, the European Union.

May is looking to win the support of the Commonwealth, a network of mostly former British colonies, for future trade deals at a meeting of its leaders in London, and bolster her argument that the future is bright after Brexit.

The Commonwealth, headed by Queen Elizabeth, is not a formal trading bloc with a free-trade agreement. In 2015 it accounted for only 9 per cent of British exports while by contrast the EU, which Britain voted to leave in 2016, accounted for around 44 per cent.

Speaking at the opening of a Commonwealth business forum, May urged the use of common standards across the network of 53 countries, warning that global growth was fragile and that protectionism posed a clear threat to the world economy.&nbsp

"With its unique scope and global voice, such a Commonwealth can set a powerful example to the world, one that demonstrates and underlines the importance of protecting free trade and the rules-based international order," she said.

"Freer and easier trade means stronger economies, more jobs, more choice and lower prices."

The lavish week-long Commonwealth meeting, split across landmark locations in London, is likely to be overshadowed by May's decision to join US&nbspand French air strikes on Syria on Saturday in retaliation for a suspected poison gas attack.

Commonwealth family

Britain's appeal to the Commonwealth comes as Brexit negotiators prepare to begin work on a future trade agreement with the EU, which the government hopes will allow frictionless trade with the bloc to continue. The EU has said Britain cannot enjoy the benefits of its single market after leaving.

May's ministers have spent much of their time since the 2016 exit vote touring the globe, touting Britain`s ability to negotiate its own trade deals with countries including Commonwealth states such as Australia, India, and New Zealand as one of the main benefits of life outside the EU.&nbsp

"Our Commonwealth family already accounts for one-fifth of global trade," May said in a statement before the meeting.

"And we must continue to work together to build further upon this solid foundation by building on our existing trade links and establishing new ones."

May announced new programmes to free up trade, improve the skills of young people and boost women`s participation in business, including an offer of 7 million pounds ($10 million) in Commonwealth-wide support to boost businesses owned by women in countries where being female is a professional barrier.

May also announced funding for a new Commonwealth Standards Network to establish a common language for goods and services to help boost trade.

Theresa May is looking to win the support of the Commonwealth, a network of mostly former British colonies, for future trade deals at a meeting of its leaders in London, and bolster her argument that the future is bright after Brexit

British Prime Minister Theresa May on Monday extolled the benefits of free trade among Commonwealth countries, seeking new sources of commerce as Britain looks to finalise divorce terms with its current biggest trading partner, the European Union. May is looking to win the support of the Commonwealth, a network of mostly former British colonies, for future trade deals at a meeting of its leaders in London, and bolster her argument that the future is bright after Brexit. The Commonwealth, headed by Queen Elizabeth, is not a formal trading bloc with a free-trade agreement. In 2015 it accounted for only 9 per cent of British exports while by contrast the EU, which Britain voted to leave in 2016, accounted for around 44 per cent. Speaking at the opening of a Commonwealth business forum, May urged the use of common standards across the network of 53 countries, warning that global growth was fragile and that protectionism posed a clear threat to the world economy. "With its unique scope and global voice, such a Commonwealth can set a powerful example to the world, one that demonstrates and underlines the importance of protecting free trade and the rules-based international order," she said. "Freer and easier trade means stronger economies, more jobs, more choice and lower prices." The lavish week-long Commonwealth meeting, split across landmark locations in London, is likely to be overshadowed by May's decision to join US&nbspand French air strikes on Syria on Saturday in retaliation for a suspected poison gas attack. Commonwealth family Britain's appeal to the Commonwealth comes as Brexit negotiators prepare to begin work on a future trade agreement with the EU, which the government hopes will allow frictionless trade with the bloc to continue. The EU has said Britain cannot enjoy the benefits of its single market after leaving. May's ministers have spent much of their time since the 2016 exit vote touring the globe, touting Britain`s ability to negotiate its own trade deals with countries including Commonwealth states such as Australia, India, and New Zealand as one of the main benefits of life outside the EU. "Our Commonwealth family already accounts for one-fifth of global trade," May said in a statement before the meeting. "And we must continue to work together to build further upon this solid foundation by building on our existing trade links and establishing new ones." May announced new programmes to free up trade, improve the skills of young people and boost women`s participation in business, including an offer of 7 million pounds ($10 million) in Commonwealth-wide support to boost businesses owned by women in countries where being female is a professional barrier. May also announced funding for a new Commonwealth Standards Network to establish a common language for goods and services to help boost trade.

Theresa May seeks Commonwealth trade boost as final Brexit talks begin

Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has urged the Commonwealth countries to force Myanmar to stop the persecution and take the Rohingya refugees back.

&quot;I would like to request you all to discuss the Rohingya issue with utmost importance and exert pressure on the Myanmar government to stop persecution of Rohingyas&nbsp;and take them back at the earliest,&quot; The Daily Star quoted Hasina as saying.

Hasina was speaking at the inauguration of the 63rd Commonwealth Parliamentary Conference (CPC) on Sunday.

The Bangladesh prime minister emphasised that the forceful expulsion of Rohingyas from their homeland has created instability in the region and beyond.

Hasina mentioned that over 6,22,000 Myanmar nationals fled to Bangladesh to escape persecution.

&quot;We&#39;ve given temporary shelter to this huge number of people on humanitarian grounds,&quot; she said.

Nearly half a million Rohingyas have fled to Bangladesh due to violence in the Rakhine state.

The Myanmar troops launched a crackdown in the state in response to the attacks on three border posts last year that killed nine police officers. Since then, many Rohingya Muslims have tried to move into Bangladesh illegally.&nbsp;

Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has urged the Commonwealth countries to force Myanmar to stop the persecution and take the Rohingya refugees back.

Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has urged the Commonwealth countries to force Myanmar to stop the persecution and take the Rohingya refugees back. "I would like to request you all to discuss the Rohingya issue with utmost importance and exert pressure on the Myanmar government to stop persecution of Rohingyas and take them back at the earliest," The Daily Star quoted Hasina as saying. Hasina was speaking at the inauguration of the 63rd Commonwealth Parliamentary Conference (CPC) on Sunday. The Bangladesh prime minister emphasised that the forceful expulsion of Rohingyas from their homeland has created instability in the region and beyond. Hasina mentioned that over 6,22,000 Myanmar nationals fled to Bangladesh to escape persecution. "We've given temporary shelter to this huge number of people on humanitarian grounds," she said. Nearly half a million Rohingyas have fled to Bangladesh due to violence in the Rakhine state. The Myanmar troops launched a crackdown in the state in response to the attacks on three border posts last year that killed nine police officers. Since then, many Rohingya Muslims have tried to move into Bangladesh illegally.

Bangladesh requests Commonwealth countries to press Myanmar to take back Rohingyas