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King Charles and Queen Consort Camilla were met with fierce condemnation during a visit to the Australian Parliament. As the royal couple entered the chamber, Indigenous leader Lydia Thorp seized the opportunity to launch a scathing rebuke of the monarchy.
“You are not my king,” Senator Thorp declared emphatically. Dressed in traditional garb and holding a document, the independent politician who represents Aboriginal Australians approached the podium with her voice ringing out over startled onlookers.
After being forcibly removed by royal security, Miss Thorp continued her denunciation outside. “You have committed genocide against our people. Return our land, return what you have taken from us - our bones, our skulls, our babies, our people. You have ravaged our lands. We demand a treaty,” she insisted passionately as she was led away, still shouting “not my king” and “down with the colony.”
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According to reports, King Charles and Queen Camilla maintained their composure during the disruption, turning to dignitaries as an orchestra played on. Just one month prior, Miss Thorp had labeled the late Queen Elizabeth a “colonizer” during her parliamentary oath. Having left the Green Party last year to serve independently, she criticized the oath as outdated and absurd.
Her departure from the party stemmed from its perceived neglect of Indigenous rights. That morning, in a groundbreaking gesture, King Charles participated in an Indigenous smoking ceremony - the first British monarch to actively engage in such a ritual. The welcoming and protective ceremony stood in stark contrast to Queen Elizabeth’s more observational role in similar events.
After the confrontation, the king’s schedule included a visit to the National Center of Indigenous Excellence in Sydney to delve deeper into Indigenous issues. He and Camilla also paid tribute to two Australian World War 1 veterans at the Australian War Memorial. They placed poppies beside the names of fallen soldiers, including an Aboriginal man.
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At the Hall of Memory, Charles laid a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier as notes of “The Last Post” filled the air. Since 1941, a wreath-laying ceremony has been a part of nearly every royal visit to Australia to honor veterans’ sacrifices.
The royal couple also recognized indigenous veterans at the newly unveiled Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Memorial. They signed the visitor's book at the memorial, which attracts millions each year who come to pay respects.
Upon leaving, Charles and Camilla were greeted by enthusiastic supporters. However, the king was startled when an alpaca dressed in a crown and suit sneezed on him as he approached its owner and the animal. The moment drew laughter and cheers from the large crowd there to greet the royals.
Elsewhere, Queen Camilla impressed onlookers with her impeccable fashion choices during the tour. On their second day, she wore a striking blue and white silk dress designed by her favorite couturier Fiona Claire. fans praised the "beautiful" and "thoughtfully coordinated" ensemble on social media.
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The dress featured intricate patterning that enhanced Camilla's regal presence. She accessorized with diamond earrings, a vintage bracelet, and practical heels. The designer is known for bespoke creations balancing royal dignity with contemporary style.
The brief but memorable royal visit to the capital, Canberra, included stops at the war memorial, parliament, and the governor general's residence. They also visited the research organization CSIRO to underline UK-Australia collaboration in science.
The tour concluded with a tree planting ceremony in the Australian National Botanic Gardens. Though brief, the visit left a strong impression as King Charles' first major international trip since his cancer diagnosis. Demonstrating his commitment to the Commonwealth, the well-received tour has garnered global media attention.
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The royal couple continues engaging events in Sydney, highlighting the close relationship between Britain and Australia. Fans remain captivated by Camilla's graceful presence and fashion sense, ensuring this royal visit will be remembered.
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