The King of England is actually the King of many other places, including Australia.
Which is what makes the next story all the more surprising. Why would Aussie politicians snub their own head of state?
At a glance:
- King Charles has faced a significant snub from Australian state leaders ahead of his upcoming nine-day tour of Australia, with no state premiers accepting invitations to attend a banquet in Canberra.
- The snub has been described as a “slap in the face” by pro-royal advocates, sparking concerns over the monarchy’s relevance in Australia.
- This comes as discussions of Australia becoming a republic continue, with Charles expressing that it’s a decision for Australians to make.
King Charles is preparing for his first visit to Australia since becoming monarch, but his upcoming tour has already hit a snag. As he and Queen Camilla prepare to start their nine-day trip in Sydney on October 18, reports suggest that not a single Australian state premier has accepted an invitation to attend a banquet in Canberra, leading to criticism from royal supporters.
Bev McArthur, spokesperson for the Australian Monarchists League, expressed disappointment, calling the absence of state leaders a “slap in the face” to the Royal Family. She noted that all state premiers have sworn allegiance to King Charles III and argued that their decision to skip the banquet was a “monumental insult.”
Some state leaders have provided excuses for their absence. Queensland Premier Steven Miles cited work commitments on his election campaign, while South Australia’s Premier Peter Malinauskas and Western Australia’s Premier Roger Cook also claimed prior commitments. New South Wales Premier Chris Minns, however, will attend other events with the King during the visit.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Uz_X-fSzIr4
The snub comes at a time when the discussion around Australia becoming a republic is once again gaining traction. The Australian Republic Movement (ARM) has written to Buckingham Palace requesting a meeting with the King during his visit, as they continue their push for Australia to have an Australian as head of state. King Charles, however, has stated that he will not stand in the way of Australia’s decision to become a republic, noting that it is a matter for the Australian public.
Despite the tensions, King Charles’s tour is focused on charitable efforts and community engagement, with plans to meet political and community leaders, as well as prominent figures in art, culture, and sports.
This will be King Charles’s first trip to Australia since 2018 and comes just months after he dealt with a significant health challenge. Earlier this year, the King was diagnosed with cancer and had to step back from royal duties for a period, undergoing treatment in London. Fortunately, his treatment has been successful, and he is now fit enough to embark on the lengthy tour of Australia and Samoa.
