SYDNEY, Australia: Britain’s King Charles was warmly welcomed by Indigenous elders in Sydney, a day after being heckled by Australian Indigenous Senator Lidia Thorpe during his visit to Parliament in Canberra.
The King participated in a traditional smoking ceremony at the National Center of Indigenous Excellence in Redfern, a location symbolic for Aboriginal civil rights in Australia. He was embraced by elder Michael Welsh and met a woman from the Stolen Generation, who welcomed him with the words, “Welcome to this country.”
However, the visit comes against a backdrop of mixed emotions surrounding Australia’s colonial past and the rights of Indigenous peoples Reuters reports. Lidia Thorpe had protested Charles’ visit in Canberra, denouncing his sovereignty over Australia and demanding a treaty for Indigenous people. Her actions have sparked debate, with some commending her for raising awareness, while others, such as former Olympian Nova Peris, criticized her approach.
Charles acknowledged Australia’s complex history with Indigenous reconciliation in a speech on Monday before Thorpe’s interruption. The recent national referendum on whether to recognize Aboriginal people in the constitution, which was rejected, has left tensions high.
The royal visit continued with public engagements in Sydney, including a stop at a social housing project in Glebe, designed with the King’s Trust Australia. Many gathered to greet the King and Queen Camilla at the Sydney Opera House, reflecting both respect for the monarchy and ongoing national debates on Indigenous rights.
