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

On his first visit to Australia since becoming head of the state in September 2022, King Charles was heckled by Indigenous senator Lidia Thorpejust 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.

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“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.

“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.

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)