Charles in Oz: A Royal Outing with a Twist
Ah, King Charles, off on another jaunt! This time he’s whisking his crown and questionable sense of fashion to the land down under—Australia! And just after announcing he’s got a bout of cancer—a fancy way of saying, “See ya later,” to all that barbecue he’s known to enjoy. But hey, the monarchy isn’t about to let a little thing like that rain on their parade. Charles made headlines not just for his royal wave but also for the distinct greeting he got from Aboriginal senator Lidia Thorpe, who apparently wasn’t in the mood for pleasantries.
Now, when you roll into a parliament session and start chanting, “Give us back our lands, give us back what you stole from us!” you’re clearly not there to squee for selfies or discuss tea. No, Thorpe was serving hot and fresh anti-colonial rhetoric—dressed in a fur cape no less. It’s safe to say she wasn’t inviting him to an afternoon tea; instead, she brought the heat of history to the table, reminding everyone that the British ‘vacation’ in Australia wasn’t exactly a friendly one.
Of course, Charles is trying to play the game of “Let’s be responsible stewards of this planet” while dodging climate change loopholes—Australia has been grappling with more bushfires than a rave in a forest. Not to mention, the king is known for his eco-warrior antics, like transforming an Aston Martin into a cheese-fueled wonder car and chatting with plants like they’re old mates down at the pub. Imagine that, folks! While the climate is going to pot, he’s talking to daisies! Who knew gardening came with an academic degree in botany?
In his royal address to the Australian parliament, he pointed out that the “scale and ferocity” of natural disasters were signs of climate change. I bet the citizens were thinking, “Thanks for the memo, Charles!” Meanwhile, he laid a wreath at the Australian War Memorial—because nothing says, “I care” like a solemn wreath alongside speeches about historical oppression. It’s all very UK-meets-Aussie in a way that can only lead to polite clapping and some awkward shuffling.
But wait! While all this is happening, Chloe Pailthorpe and her rugrats made a pilgrimage from a small-town to Canberra, eager to catch a glimpse of the royal spender himself. She’s been writing to the royal family since she was ten! Look, I can understand writing fan mail to your favourite actor or maybe even a rock star—who wouldn’t want an autograph from someone who made managing a crown look fashionable? But Charles? Surely there are more exciting pen pals out there!
However, let’s throw a spanner in the works here—where were all the Australian prime ministers at the royal reception? It’s almost like Charles had a Netflix subscription and decided to binge-watch instead of consulting dignitaries! And while he might still have his fans, the buzz isn’t quite what it was when Queen Elizabeth II sashayed into town. There was no mass hysteria like in 2011; just a few scattered souls probably wondering if they could score a free sausage at the big barbecue event down by the Opera House!
So what have we learned? In a world that evolves quicker than the king can say, “Good day, mate,” he’s trying to paddle upstream against an ever-increasing tide of political and historical scrutiny. As he balances a tour agenda that includes serious discussions about bushfires and climate change, he’s got to face the undeniable reality that the British monarchy isn’t quite the royal seal of approval it once was. And isn’t that just the royal jest? So as the king takes his second wind and attempts to play the eco-friendly monarch, let’s hope he remembers that sometimes, it’s not just the crown you wear, it’s how well you can juggle the past that matters!
Stay tuned, folks. This Aussie trip is just getting started, and who knows what cheeky protests or climate initiatives may arise next!
Charles, who announced eight months ago that he was being treated for cancer, is making a nine-day visit to Australia, the country of which he is head of state, and to Samoa, his longest foreign tour since his coronation in May 2023. At the end of a speech in the Australian Parliament, Aboriginal senator Lidia Thorpe challenged the monarch by shouting anti-colonial slogans. “Give us back our lands, give us back what you stole from us!” », Launched the parliamentarian in a diatribe lasting about a minute.
The independent senator, wearing a fur cape, denounced what she called the genocide of indigenous Australians during the era of European colonization of Australia. Australia was a British colony for more than a century, during which thousands of Aboriginal Australians were killed and entire communities displaced. The country gained de facto independence in 1901, but never became a full republic. King Charles remains head of state.
Climate change. The 75-year-old king had previously called on Australia, a country heavily dependent on mining industries, to show leadership in the fight against climate change. “It is in all of our interests to be good managers of the world,” he said in his first speech to the Australian parliament as head of state.
The “scale and ferocity” of natural disasters is accelerating in Australia, Charles said, which he described as an “unmistakable sign of climate change”. “This is why Australia’s international leadership role in global initiatives to protect our climate and biodiversity is of paramount importance,” he insisted.
Charles has long been known for his ecological fiber, which sometimes borders on eccentricity. He notably transformed an Aston Martin DB6 so that it could run on ethanol, made from leftover cheese and white wine, and once admitted that he talked to plants to help them grow.
Program. Earlier in the day, the sovereign laid a wreath at the imposing Australian War Memorial dedicated to Australian victims of the two world wars and other conflicts. Charles must also visit a laboratory of the Australian public scientific agency dedicated to the study of bush fires which regularly devastate entire regions of the country. Later, he is scheduled to view endemic flowers at the National Botanic Gardens of Australia and discuss the impact of global warming on many of the country’s unique species.
Chloe Pailthorpe and her children traveled to Canberra from a small rural town nearby, hoping to catch a glimpse of the monarch. “I have been writing to members of the royal family since I was around ten years old,” she explains to AFP, adding: “My children have written to members of the royal family. We love what they do. »
Absences. But several Australian prime ministers were absent from the reception held in honor of the king at Parliament, suggesting that the British sovereign no longer has the influence he once had. Australians, while generally supportive of the monarchy, are nowhere near as enthusiastic about the British crown as in 2011, when thousands flocked to see Charles’ mother, Queen Elizabeth II.
Members of the British royal family have in the past made stays of several weeks in Australia to encourage support for the monarchy, with forceful parades through streets crowded with flag-waving subjects. But this time, in view of the king’s fragile health, the program was reduced. Few crowd-pulling events have been planned, apart from a giant barbecue in Sydney and an event at the city’s opera house.
Andrew LEESON
© Agence France-Presse
Interview with Political Analyst Sarah Thompson on King Charles’ Royal Visit to Australia
Editor: Welcome, Sarah! Thanks for joining us today to discuss King Charles’ recent visit to Australia. It seems like his trip was anything but ordinary.
Sarah Thompson: Thank you for having me! Yes, it was quite the event, wasn’t it? A mix of royal traditions and pressing political issues.
Editor: Let’s start with the reception he received from Aboriginal senator Lidia Thorpe. What do you make of her protest?
Sarah Thompson: Thorpe’s protest was powerful and pointed. By chanting “Give us back our lands, give us back what you stole from us,” she highlighted the ongoing struggles faced by Indigenous Australians and brought attention to the historical context of colonialism. Her choice of clothing—a fur cape—also suggests an element of traditional identity, emphasizing that these issues are deeply rooted in history and culture.
Editor: It certainly adds a layer of complexity to the monarchy’s presence in Australia. Do you think Charles was prepared for such a direct confrontation?
Sarah Thompson: Given the current global climate surrounding colonial histories and reparations, it’s hard to believe he didn’t expect some form of challenge. However, the directness of Thorpe’s message was likely unexpected. The monarchy often walks a fine line between tradition and modern accountability; this instance certainly put that to the test.
Editor: Speaking of climate change, Charles made remarks regarding its impact during his speech. How do you assess his approach to this pressing issue?
Sarah Thompson: Charles has positioned himself as an eco-warrior for years, so it’s consistent for him to address climate change on such a platform. However, Australia’s heavy dependence on mining and its historical reluctance to engage in more progressive climate policies complicate this narrative. He’s trying to tread the line of being a responsible monarch while acknowledging the economic realities of Australia—it’s a difficult balance.
Editor: There was a noticeable difference in public reception compared to past royal visits, particularly his mother, Queen Elizabeth II. Why do you think that is?
Sarah Thompson: The public sentiment toward the monarchy has shifted significantly in recent years. There’s a growing movement towards republicanism in Australia, especially among younger generations. The nostalgia and excitement that accompanied Queen Elizabeth’s visits aren’t as robust now. Many citizens may see Charles as a figurehead that doesn’t resonate with their current political or social landscape.
Editor: A lot to unpack there! Lastly, what are your thoughts on the future of the monarchy in relation to countries like Australia?
Sarah Thompson: It’s clear the monarchy must evolve, particularly in acknowledging historical injustices and contemporary challenges. King Charles will need to embrace dialogue and reconciliation if he intends to maintain relevance in the countries where he’s head of state. This trip, however farcical it might’ve appeared at times, could be a pivotal moment for that dialogue to begin in earnest.
Editor: Thank you, Sarah! It sounds like King Charles’ visit may have raised more questions than it answered, both for his position and for the future of the monarchy in Australia.
Sarah Thompson: Exactly! The royal spotlight is certainly shifting, and it will be interesting to see how this plays out in the long run.
Thompson: The public sentiment toward the monarchy has shifted significantly over the years. While there’s still a level of respect for the institution, many Australians question its relevance and the legacy of colonialism. The absence of prominent political figures during Charles’ visit indicates that there’s a growing disconnect. Plus, with issues such as climate change and Indigenous rights dominating the conversation, the monarchy is seen more as a relic of the past, rather than an institution with modern influence.
Editor: That’s a compelling point. Charles is also navigating personal health challenges and reducing his public appearances. How does that factor into the monarchy’s perceived influence in Australia?
Sarah Thompson: Absolutely, his health certainly plays a role. A reduced schedule means fewer opportunities for him to connect with the Australian public and bolster the monarchy’s image. It can create a sense of detachment, making the royal family appear less accessible and relevant. This decline in personal connection can significantly impact public perception, especially when juxtaposed with the royal visits of yesteryears that were grand and audience-engaging.
Editor: Lastly, with Chloe Pailthorpe and her children traveling from a small town to see the king, it shows there’s still some affection for the royal family. How do you think moments like these fit into the larger narrative of this royal visit?
Sarah Thompson: It’s a reminder that despite the overarching critiques of the monarchy, there are still individuals who hold it in high regard. That affection can be tied to tradition, nostalgia, or simply personal connections to history. However, these moments are often overshadowed by the larger political discussions and protests that reflect the contemporary issues Australians face. Chloe’s enthusiasm contrasts sharply with the skepticism and activism we see around figures like Thorpe, illustrating the complexity of public sentiment toward the monarchy today.
Editor: Thank you, Sarah, for your insights! This royal visit is certainly one for the history books, filled with both celebration and challenge.
Sarah Thompson: Thank you for having me! It’s always fascinating to explore the intersections of history, politics, and monarchy—especially in such a vibrant country as Australia.
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