Lidia Thorpe: Australian Senator’s Protest Against King Charles Sparks Controversy

Australian senator Lidia Thorpe has been in headlines yet again, after a high-profile rendezvous with King Charles III during a recent royal event in Canberra. Known for her outspoken criticism of the British monarchy and her fierce advocacy for Indigenous Australians, Lidia Thorpe’s actions have sparked both praise and condemnation.

Lidia Thorpe Heckles King Charles III

Lidia Thorpe made global headlines after disrupting King Charles III’s parliamentary welcome ceremony in Australia. As the King entered Parliament House, Thorpe loudly said, “You are not my king” and “This is not your land,” before being escorted out. The protest was meant to send a “clear message” to the King, according to Thorpe, who argued that as an Aboriginal woman, the British monarchy has no sovereignty over her people.

Her heckling invited immediate criticism from political leaders in both Australia and the UK. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese stated that her actions did not meet the “standard behavior Australians rightly expect of parliamentarians.” UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer defended the King, praising him as a “fantastic ambassador” for the UK and the Commonwealth, even though he faced criticism during the event.

Previous Controversies Surrounding Lidia Thorpe

Lidia Thorpe is often mired in controversy. She has previously also spoken out against the British monarchy, once calling the late Queen Elizabeth II as a “coloniser.” Thorpe, who became the first Aboriginal senator from Victoria in 2020, has regularly advocated for the rights of Indigenous Australians and is known for using her platform to speak out against historical injustices committed by colonial powers.

Thorpe has often demanded public apologies from the British Royal Family for their role in the colonisation of Australia and the oppression of Aboriginal people. She has been very vocal regarding Indigenous sovereignty. “Why doesn’t [the King] say, ‘I am sorry for the many, many thousands of massacres that happened in this country, for which my ancestors and kingdom are responsible?’” Thorpe asked during an interview with the Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC).

Social Media Controversy and Violent Imagery

The backlash against Lidia Thorpe escalated further when a violent image of King Charles III was briefly posted to her social media account. The cartoon, which depicted the King beheaded alongside his crown, was shared by a staff member without Thorpe’s knowing about it, according to the senator. Thorpe quickly deleted the post, clarifying, “I would not intentionally share anything that could be seen to encourage violence against anyone.”

However even though she responded quickly, the image has added fuel to the scrutiny surrounding her heckling of the monarch. Some Indigenous leaders have also criticised Thorpe’s approach. Aunty Violet Sheridan, an Aboriginal elder who formally welcomed the King and Queen Camilla to Ngunnawal country, stated that Thorpe “does not speak for me and my people.”

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Divided Opinions Among Indigenous Australians

Thorpe’s actions have triggered a divided response within the Indigenous people. While some view her protest as a brave stand against colonialism, others see it producing negative results. Nova Peris, the first Aboriginal woman elected to Australia’s parliament, described Thorpe’s actions as “embarrassing and disappointing,” adding that Australia’s journey towards reconciliation requires “respectful dialogue” rather than explosive protests.

However, supporters like Bundjalung lawyer Vanessa Turnbull-Roberts praised Thorpe’s actions, arguing that inviting the British monarchy to tour Australia was more disrespectful to Indigenous people than Thorpe’s protest. “When Thorpe speaks, she’s got the ancestors right with her,” Turnbull-Roberts said.

Thorpe’s Advocacy for Indigenous Sovereignty

Lidia Thorpe’s political career has been built on advocating for Indigenous sovereignty and addressing the historical injustices faced by Indigenous Australians. She has repeatedly called for the British Royal Family to acknowledge their role in the colonisation of Australia, and her recent protest against King Charles III is part of her broader mission to bring attention to Indigenous issues.

Thorpe, however, faces mounting political pressure. Opposition leader Peter Dutton has called for her resignation, while Thorpe has remained defiant, telling ABC radio, “I really don’t care what Dutton says. I’ll be here for the next three years, so get used to truth-telling.”

Conclusion

Lidia Thorpe remains a polarising figure in Australian politics, with her recent protest against King Charles III adding to her long list of public controversies. As she continues to advocate for Indigenous Australians and challenge the UK Royal Family, Thorpe’s actions have sparked an important conversation about the role of colonial history in modern Australia and the country’s journey toward reconciliation.