King Charles and Camilla’s recent visit to Australia comes during a critical moment for the country’s ongoing debate about whether to become a republic.
During their last visit in 2018, local marriage celebrant Lesley Kerl made a memorable impression on the royal couple by wearing a vibrant red dress and engaging them in conversation about tea and British traditions. Kerl hopes to catch their attention again when she visits Sydney on Tuesday.
This trip marks King Charles’ first tour to a Commonwealth realm since his accession to the throne. After Australia, he plans to travel to Samoa for the biennial Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM)—his first summit in this capacity.
This trip is particularly significant for the King, coming after he underwent cancer treatment earlier this year. To manage his health, the royal schedule has been carefully planned to ensure adequate rest during the 11-day tour. While the visit includes ceremonial activities, it also sparks conversations about the nation’s potential shift away from monarchy.
Despite past discussions about transitioning to a republic, experts indicate that such a change is unlikely in the immediate future, especially given Australia’s difficulty passing constitutional referendums. The defeat of a recent referendum aimed at establishing an Indigenous advisory group highlighted the challenges around enacting change.
As the royal couple arrived in Sydney, their presence elicited reactions ranging from anticipation to criticism. Republicans have rebranded the visit as the “farewell Oz tour” and launched merchandise featuring the royal family in a satirical manner. Nathan Hansford, co-chair of the Australian Republic Movement, expressed sentiments of a desire to end royal rule.
Not everyone shares these views, as Victoria’s state parliament member Bev McArthur criticized the disrespectful attitudes toward the royal visit, especially in light of King Charles’ ongoing health challenges. McArthur noted that state leaders’ refusal to attend royal events demonstrates a reluctance to move beyond Republican sentiments.
The timing of the King’s visit aligns with the anniversary of the failed Voice referendum, which would have given Indigenous Australians a greater voice in government. With public anguish over their historical treatment and ongoing inequalities, many see the royal visit as a reminder of the past.
For the average Australian, discussions about a royal visit are overshadowed by pressing economic issues, where rising costs and housing affordability continue to dominate conversations. Concerns have also been magnified by reports of Prime Minister Anthony Albanese purchasing an expensive clifftop beach house.
This visit holds potential for the King to discuss a range of topics in Australia, including the ongoing cooperation with allies. With a planned meeting in the capital, Canberra, he is expected to meet with Albanese and leaders from various sectors. The engagements are designed to reflect the royal couple’s interests and values, which include environmental initiatives and community engagement.
As the royal couple prepares to make public appearances, many Australians are looking forward to witnessing the event firsthand, including Kerl, who plans to wear bright attire to once again capture the King’s attention.
In a reflection of her family’s long-standing connection to the royals, Kerl noted her father’s journey to witness the coronation of King George VI in the 1930s. “That’s the type of royal-supporting blood I come from,” she said. Now, with a much shorter journey from New South Wales, Kerl is eager to show support for a figure she has admired for years. “I’ve grown up with him and (Princess) Anne, and now he is finally King. I want to support him,” Kerl shared.
Credit: CNN
