King Charles III and Camilla, Queen Consort, will come to Australia this Friday for their first official visit since the King’s accession to the throne, CNN reports.
The visit comes amidst a complex tapestry of public sentiment, with excitement for the royal couple’s arrival interwoven with growing calls for Australia to sever ties with the British monarchy and become a republic.
The King’s arrival, which will be marked by the illumination of the Sydney Opera House, coincides with a period of economic hardship and social tension in Australia. The cost of living crisis, fueled by high inflation and rising interest rates, has left many Australians struggling to make ends meet. The recent defeat of the Indigenous Voice referendum, which aimed to enshrine an Indigenous advisory body in the Constitution, has also contributed to a sense of disillusionment and frustration.
For many Indigenous Australians, the King’s visit serves as a stark reminder of the ongoing legacy of colonialism and the systematic dispossession and erasure of their people.
The republican movement in Australia has also gained momentum, with Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, a vocal supporter of a republic, expressing his support for a future where Australia elects its own head of state.
Despite this growing sentiment, the government has remained cautious about holding another referendum on becoming a republic. The recent defeat of the Indigenous Voice referendum has highlighted the potential for such votes to become divisive and costly, with no guarantee of a successful outcome.
Despite the complexities surrounding his visit, the King is expected to be warmly welcomed by the Australian government. He will meet with Prime Minister Albanese in Canberra and pay his respects to the nation’s fallen at the Australian War Memorial and the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander memorial.
The King, who is on a multi-country tour following his recent cancer diagnosis, has carefully tailored his schedule to allow for rest and recovery. His program in Australia will include engagements that reflect his interests, including meetings with leading scientists working on melanoma treatment and a visit to a traditional community barbecue.
