On Monday, Indigenous activist and Independent senator Lidia Thorpe stirred controversy by publicly accusing King Charles of committing genocide during his visit to Australia’s Parliament House.
Thorpe’s protest disrupted the British monarch’s 16th trip to Australia and his first major international appearance since being diagnosed with cancer.
Thorpe interrupted the King moments after he delivered a speech acknowledging “the traditional owners of the lands.” She accused him of atrocities against Indigenous Australians, shouting, “You committed genocide against our people. Return what you stole—our land, our bones, our skulls, our babies, our people. You destroyed our land. We demand a treaty.”
Known for her sharp criticism of Australia’s colonial legacy, Thorpe defiantly declared, “This is not your land, you are not my King,” as she attempted to approach Charles. Security officers quickly restrained her and escorted her from the chamber.
Despite the disruption, King Charles remained composed, continuing his conversation with Prime Minister Anthony Albanese while on the podium. Thorpe’s outburst sharply contrasted with the overall warm reception the King and Queen Camilla received during their official engagements.
Prime Minister Albanese used the occasion to praise King Charles for his longstanding commitment to climate change advocacy, noting, “The Australia you first knew has transformed in many ways, but throughout these decades of change, our mutual respect and affection have deepened.”
The royal visit also included a stop at the Australian War Memorial in Canberra, where the King and Queen were met by over a thousand supporters. Their tour will continue in Sydney, followed by a trip to Samoa for a Commonwealth meeting later in the week.
