MELBOURNE, Australia — King Charles III and Queen Camilla are set to arrive in Sydney this Friday, marking the first Australian visit by a reigning British monarch in over ten years. This highly anticipated trip is stirring discussions about Australia’s constitutional ties to Britain.
The iconic sails of the Sydney Opera House will be illuminated with imagery celebrating past royal visits to warmly welcome the couple, whose six-day itinerary is notably shortened due to the King’s health concerns. King Charles, aged 75, is currently undergoing treatment for cancer.
This visit is significant as Charles becomes only the second reigning British monarch to travel to Australia, following his mother, Queen Elizabeth II, who made history 70 years ago.
While the royal couple can expect a warm reception from the public, leaders across Australia are advocating for the removal of the monarchy from the nation’s constitution. Monarchists, however, are optimistic that the visit will bolster the connection Australians feel toward their sovereign.
The Australian Republic Movement (ARM), which advocates for an Australian citizen to replace the British monarch as the head of state, is using the visit as an opportunity to emphasize its cause. The ARM recently launched a campaign titled “Wave Goodbye to Royal Reign with Monarchy: The Farewell Oz Tour!” suggesting that the royal visit resembles a tour by an entertainment act.
ARM co-chair Esther Anatolitis commented on the royal visit, stating it serves as a reminder that Australia’s head of state resides overseas and is not an Australian citizen. She expressed hopes that this marks the final tour of a reigning monarch in Australia and anticipates welcoming future royal visits as those of honored dignitaries.
Supporters of the monarchy, like Philip Benwell, national chair of the Australian Monarchist League, predict a predominantly positive reception for the royal couple. He argued that royal visits help solidify the monarchy’s place in the Australian consciousness, emphasizing that Australia is a constitutional monarchy with a king.
Political leaders, including the premiers of all six states, have faced criticism for declining invitations to a reception for King Charles in Canberra, citing prior commitments like cabinet meetings and overseas travels. Benwell believes their absence could be perceived as a snub, especially considering the significance of the king’s first visit to Australia.
Months before the visit, the Australian Republic Movement reached out to Charles, requesting a meeting to discuss their cause, but Buckingham Palace indicated that such arrangements would be determined by the Australian government. The official itinerary does not include a meeting with the ARM.
Historically, the popularity of the monarchy in Australia has fluctuated. In a referendum in 1999, Australians chose to retain Queen Elizabeth II as head of state, a decision thought to stem more from disagreement over the selection process of a president rather than strong support for monarchy.
After their Sydney visit, King Charles and Queen Camilla will travel to Samoa for the annual Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting, following a route similar to that of previous royal visits.
Overall, as Australia prepares for this royal visit, the public discourse surrounding the monarchy’s role continues to evolve, reflecting the nation’s changing demographics and values.
