Charles’ tour of Australia made international headlines after Indigenous Senator Lidia Thorpe staged a dramatic protest during a ceremonial event in Canberra. Thorpe, a well-known activist and independent senator, interrupted a speech by Charles,...
Charles’ tour of Australia made international headlines after Indigenous Senator Lidia Thorpe staged a dramatic protest during a ceremonial event in Canberra. Thorpe, a well-known activist and independent senator, interrupted a speech by Charles, accusing the crown of genocide against Indigenous Australians. Wearing a traditional possum skin coat, Thorpe approached the stage, shouting, ““Our bones, our skulls, our babies, our people,” said Ms. Thorpe, as the guards backed her toward the door. “You destroyed our land.”This is not your country, you are not our king,” and demanded the return of stolen lands and a treaty with First Nations people.
Thorpe’s protest lasted over a minute, during which she fiercely condemned the monarchy’s colonial legacy, accusing them of destroying Indigenous lands and people. She was eventually removed from the hall but continued to shout as she left, calling the crown “genocidal” and exclaiming, “(Eff) the colony.” Later, she posted a cartoon depicting King Charles beheaded on her Instagram story.
The royal couple appeared stunned by the outburst, but Charles and Camilla continued with their schedule, meeting well-wishers afterward. The palace did not officially comment on the protest, but a source expressed gratitude for the large turnout of supporters.
Thorpe’s protest reignited conversations about Australia’s colonial history, with many Indigenous Australians pushing for a formal peace treaty. Thorpe reiterated her stance after the event, stating, “As First Peoples, we never ceded our sovereignty over this land. The crown invaded this country and committed genocide.”
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