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Controversy Erupts as Senator Accuses King Charles of Genocide
Former PM Critiques Senator’s Actions Amid Royal Visit
CANBERRA, Oct 22 (Reuters) – During‍ a recent event at Australia’s Parliament House, Indigenous senator Lidia Thorpe provoked international headlines when she accused King Charles of committing “genocide” against Indigenous peoples. This incendiary claim arose shortly after the king expressed his respect for the traditional custodians of Australian land in his address.
This marks King Charles’ 16th official journey to Australia and is particularly significant as it represents his first major international excursion following a cancer diagnosis. After concluding his remarks, independents senator and vocal Indigenous rights advocate Lidia Thorpe interrupted by declaring her refusal to acknowledge the king’s sovereignty over Australia. “You have committed genocide​ against our people,” she exclaimed. “Return our land—return what you took from us: our ancestors, our families, our heritage. You ravaged our territories; we demand a treaty.”
Thorpe has become known for her disruptive protests concerning Australia’s colonial history and was promptly escorted away after this outburst while King Charles remained composed and briefly conversed with Prime Minister Anthony Albanese.
Thorpe maintains that the systemic violence resulting from colonization will only cease with a formal national treaty addressing needs pertinent to Indigenous communities across Australia.
Political Backlash Following Protests
Former Prime Minister Tony Abbott condemned Thorpe’s demonstration as “unfortunate political exhibitionism,” adding tension between political factions in attendance during this pivotal occasion.
According to palace insiders, both Charles and Queen Camilla were appreciative of the numerous supporters who came out to greet them despite not being able to interact with everyone personally, noting that “the warmth and scale of their welcome was truly overwhelming.”
A Heartwarming Royal Reception Amidst Activism
The protests stood in stark contrast against an otherwise celebratory atmosphere filled with supportive representatives who eloquently praised both monarchs’ commitments—particularly Charles’ longstanding engagement on environmental issues. Albanese acknowledged how deeply Australians cherish their royal figures: “The Australia you once knew has transformed remarkably through time; nevertheless, respect and camaraderie have blossomed alongside such change.”
Earlier this year, plans for a referendum evaluating Australia’s transition into a republic were shelved following the defeat of another proposal aimed at establishing an Indigenous advisory body—a decision reflecting ongoing complexities within Australian politics concerning both republicanism and reconciliation efforts.
An Unforgettable Encounter With An Alpaca
Aside from protests surrounding Thorpe’s comments, King Charles’ day included delightful moments at the Australian War Memorial where he met thousands—including Hephner—the nine-year-old alpaca dressed in formal attire complete with a crown atop its head. Its owner Robert Fletcher shared that they had reserved Hephner’s royal outfit specifically for this occasion amid anticipation among attendees waiting eagerly outside memorial gates.
“He has many outfits but we saved this one especially for today,” Fletcher stated proudly while remarking how fitting it was for one monarch to meet another.
Their day progressed with lighthearted exchanges: during his walk amidst onlookers excitedly greeting him—and despite being startled by Hephner’s playful snort—the king appeared amused by these whimsical moments marking their engagement with friendly crowds prior heading onwards toward Sydney before continuing their journey toward Samoa in connection with Commonwealth discussions.
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Reporting by Lewis Jackson in Canberra; writing credits include Alasdair Pal along with contributions from Kate Holton; editing completed by Raju Gopalakrishnan,s Stephen Coates,and Alex Richardson
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Lewis specializes reporting on businesses including politics & energy matters partaking within Breaking News Team based out Sydney office noted accomplishments covering significant strikes affecting major gas exporters & notable firm breakups like PwC before joining Reuters focusing on stock market insights initially early into journalism career.
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