King Charles III has said he would not stand in the way if Australia wanted to become a republic. The King's statement comes ahead of his royal tour of Australia and Samoa, which begins on Friday, Oct. 18.
In a letter sent to the Australian Republic Movement (ARM) by his assistant private secretary, the King said that “whether Australia becomes a republic is … a matter for the Australian public to decide.”
This visit will be the King's first official trip to Australia since he ascended to the throne after the passing of his mother, Queen Elizabeth II, in September 2022. The visit has been met with mixed emotions in Australia, with some Australians supporting the monarchy and others advocating for a republic.
## The Growing Republic Movement
The ARM has been advocating for a republic in Australia for decades and has been growing in popularity in recent years. The ARM believes that Australia should elect its own head of state and that the country should not be subject to the British monarch. The group has also pointed out that the monarch's role in Australia's governance is largely symbolic and ceremonial, adding that this makes Australia's participation in the Commonwealth “irrelevant.”
## The Royal Visit and the Referendum
The King's visit to Australia has reignited the debate about whether the country should become a republic. The ARM has called for a referendum on the issue, and the Australian government has said that it is considering the matter. However, the government has also said that a referendum is not a priority.
In September 2022, Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese was forced to shelve plans for a referendum on replacing the King as head of state. In order to pass a referendum in Australia, more than 50% of Australians must vote yes, and the vote must win support in a majority of states.
## The King's Response
In response to the ARM's request for a meeting with the King, Dr. Nathan Ross, an aide to the King, emphasized Charles’ “deep love and affection” for Australia, adding, “Please be assured that your views on this matter have been noted very carefully.”
“His Majesty, as a constitutional monarch, acts on the advice of his ministers and whether Australia becomes a republic is, therefore, a matter for the Australian public to decide,” he wrote.
## The King's Health
The King’s visit to Australia and Samoa comes as he continues to recover from a recent cancer diagnosis. The King has said that he will be “pausing” his cancer treatments while abroad and will resume them when back in the U.K.; he will also travel with two doctors on the trip.
The King's upcoming visit to Australia comes at a time when the country is facing many challenges, including the COVID-19 pandemic, the climate crisis, and the ongoing debate about the monarchy. The King's visit is sure to be a pivotal moment in Australia's history and the future of the monarchy.
## A Farewell Tour?
The Australian Republic Movement (ARM) has branded the King's visit to Australia as the royal’s “farewell tour” as they campaign to separate the Commonwealth country from the monarchy. This has spurred the ARM to create satirical posters, T-shirts and beer coasters, encouraging Australians to “wave goodbye to royal reign”.
“It’s time for Australia to elect a local to serve as our head of state. Someone who can work for Australia full time,” said ARM spokesperson Isaac Jeffrey.
The ARM’s sentiment is likely to have a significant impact on the King’s visit, which will be Charles’ first visit to a Commonwealth realm since his reign began in September 2022, and also the first tour of this scale and scope since he announced earlier this year he had been diagnosed with cancer. This, coupled with the King's statement that he would not stand in the way of Australia becoming a republic, may just add fuel to the growing fire for change in the country.
## The Future of the Monarchy
The King's statement that he would not stand in the way of Australia becoming a republic is a significant moment in the history of the monarchy. It is a sign that the monarchy is adapting to the changing times and that it is willing to let go of its colonial past.
The King's statement also shows that he understands the growing desire for change in Australia and that he is willing to listen to the will of the people. The King's visit to Australia will be a key test of his popularity as monarch and whether the Australian public accepts him as their head of state. The outcome of the visit could have a significant impact on the future of the monarchy and its role in the modern world.
