King Charles’ speech in Australia’s Parliament on Monday was interrupted by a protest from indigenous Senator Lidia Thorpe. Shortly after the King had finished speaking, Thorpe shouted from the back of the hall, declaring, “You are not our king,” and demanding the return of indigenous lands. She accused Britain of historical atrocities and called for an apology for the colonisation of Australia. Thorpe, a long-time advocate for Aboriginal rights, continued to heckle as security guards escorted her out. She demanded a treaty between Britain and Australia’s Indigenous population and accused British colonizers of genocide. “Give us our land back. Give us what you stole from us,” she shouted, while wearing a traditional possum skin cloak. BREAKING: The end of King Charles speech has been interrupted by a protest from an indigenous campaigner. Senator Lidia Thorpe shouted at the stage “you are not our King”, “this is not your land”. She demanded the King apologise for British atrocities in Australia pic.twitter.com/ZytV8X9OC9 — Chris Ship (@chrisshipitv) October 21, 2024 As Thorpe was being removed from the chamber, she continued to criticise Britain’s role in Australia’s history, referencing the destruction of Indigenous lives and land. The King, watching from the stage, remained composed as Thorpe was taken out of the room. He and Queen Camilla left the reception shortly after. This protest marked a stark moment during Charles' first visit to Australia since becoming King in 2022. Thorpe, an outspoken activist, has previously used her platform to protest the British monarchy. In 2022, she raised her fist in a Black power salute during her swearing-in ceremony, referring to the Queen as “the colonising Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II.” While the royal visit has been largely well-received, with Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and others praising Charles’ long-standing advocacy for climate change, Thorpe’s protest highlighted the ongoing tensions over Australia’s colonial history. Despite the disruption, Buckingham Palace did not offer any specific comment, only expressing gratitude for the warm reception Charles received during his visit. (With inputs from Reuters, The New York Times)
