Australian Senator Lidia Thorpe caused a stir during King Charles' visit to Canberra by shouting, “You are not my King,” in a dramatic disruption that overshadowed the monarch's welcome. Thorpe's protest, which highlighted issues of colonialism and indigenous rights, included claims of “genocide” committed by colonialists against Indigenous Australians.
Following her outburst, Thorpe shared a cartoon on Instagram depicting King Charles' head next to a crown, created by Matt Chun, co-editor of The Sunday Paper. This provocative image comes just hours after her loud dissent during the King’s speech, where she demanded recognition for Indigenous rights and land restitution.
During the event, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese also hinted at Australia’s potential shift from a constitutional monarchy to a republic, stating, “Nothing stands still,” in reference to the evolving political landscape.
Throughout their tour, King Charles and Camilla have encountered low-key protests, with demonstrators displaying banners calling for decolonization at various events. However, Thorpe's impassioned interruption is likely to be seen as a significant embarrassment for the King during his first visit to Australia in his current role.
As she was escorted from the building, Thorpe continued to voice her demands, shouting, “This is not your land, you are not my King, you are not our King,” and calling for a treaty with Indigenous peoples