King Charles Visits Australia Amid Republic Debate
King Charles III and Queen Camilla have arrived in Sydney for the first Australian visit by a reigning monarch in over a decade, rekindling the debate about Australia’s constitutional ties to Britain. The six-day trip, which is shorter than typical royal tours due to Charles’s cancer treatment, includes formal dinners, wreath laying, and other public appearances.
The visit has sparked renewed discussions about Australia’s potential move towards a republic. The Australian Republic Movement (ARM) has characterized the royal visit as akin to a traveling entertainment act and launched a campaign titled “Goodbye Royal Reign Monarchy The Farewell Oz Tour!”.
Esther Anatolitis, co-chair of ARM, expressed that royal visits serve as a reminder that Australia’s head of state is not based in the country full-time. In contrast, Philip Benwell, chair of the Australian Monarchist League, expects a largely positive response to the royal couple, emphasizing that the visit underscores Australia’s status as a constitutional monarchy.
The royal couple will also attend the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting in Samoa after their visit to Australia, where Charles will address Commonwealth members in his role as head of the Commonwealth.
