A member of the Australian Parliament disrupted King Charles’s visit to Parliament House in Canberra. Lidia Thorpe, an independent senator, caused a stir when she shouted at the monarch declaring, “you are not our King.” The interruption occurred as King Charles was sitting down after delivering a speech on Wednesday evening. Thorpe was immediately escorted out of the event.
The outburst from Senator Thorpe apparently stemmed from her concerns about the monarchy and the impact of colonization on Indigenous Australians. Thorpe also shouted, “this is not your land.”
King Charles was in Australia as part of his official tour of the Commonwealth with his wife, Camila. During his visit, he held meetings with Australian politicians, including Prime Minister Scott Morrison. Charles also visited areas affected by recent bushfires and met with emergency responders and residents who were affected by the disaster.
The incident is a disappointing one as it detracts from the historical and diplomatic significance of the visit. The Australian Prime Minister released a statement condemning Thorpe’s actions, stating that such behavior was not an appropriate or productive way to raise issues. While dissent or disagreement is a valid part of democracy, it should be expressed in an appropriate manner. The incident will be a footnote in the history books of the visit, but it will not be the most significant moment of the King’s trip.
Overall, the incident highlights differing opinions on the monarchy and the legacy of colonization in Australia. While the King’s visit was focused primarily on diplomatic matters and cultural exchange, tensions remain over these issues. The incident raises important questions about how to address these issues in a constructive and productive way, without resorting to outbursts or actions that detract from the diplomatic process
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