Indigenous Senator's Bold Protest Disrupts King Charles III's Parliamentary Visit in Australia**

While attending a reception in Australia, King Charles III faced a fierce protest led by Indigenous senator Lidia Thorpe, who demanded reparations and a treaty with the Aboriginal people. This incident underscores ongoing tensions related to Australia’s colonial past.**

King Charles III's official visit to Australia took a contentious turn when he faced a direct challenge from Lidia Thorpe, an Indigenous senator known for her strong advocacy for Aboriginal rights. After the king addressed members of Parliament in Canberra, Senator Thorpe's voice echoed through the hall, capturing attention with her solemn protest as she proclaimed, “You are not our king,” while demanding the return of Indigenous land taken during colonial rule.

Thorpe, clad in a traditional possum skin cloak, remained steadfast even as security personnel escorted her from the chamber, repeatedly asserting the need for reparative justice and a treaty between Indigenous Australians and the British monarchy. “You destroyed our land,” she implored, emphasizing the historical grievances that continue to affect Aboriginal communities today.

The reception marked Charles's first visit to Australia since his ascension to the throne in 2022, and Thorpe’s protest resonated against the backdrop of the royal family’s colonial history. Known for her activism, Thorpe previously made headlines for her outspoken criticisms of the monarchy. During her swearing-in ceremony in 2022, she notably branded Queen Elizabeth II as “the colonizing Her Majesty,” showcasing her commitment to highlighting Indigenous struggles.

Despite the drama, the royal couple remained composed, with Buckingham Palace refraining from immediate comments regarding the incident. An official expressed appreciation for the supportive crowds that welcomed them throughout the visit, underscoring the division present within Australian society regarding its colonial legacy.

This visit is particularly significant for Charles, especially following his recent health challenges, as he balances royal duties with self-care. The trip extends beyond Australia, with the king scheduled to attend a Commonwealth leaders' meeting in Samoa later this week, where similar discussions surrounding colonial reparations and climate change impacts are expected to resurface among representatives of the Caribbean nations.