King Charles III visits Australia amid cancer battle, sparking debate on republic

King Charles III and Queen Camilla touched down in Sydney on Friday, marking the first royal visit to Australia in over a decade. The visit, scaled down due to Charles’ ongoing cancer treatment, has reignited discussions about Australia’s ties to the British monarchy, even as the iconic Sydney Opera House lit up with images of past royal tours in their honor.

Despite a warm welcome from Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and Governor-General Sam Mostyln, the visit has stirred long-standing debates over Australia’s future as a constitutional monarchy. With Charles’ health playing a role in the shortened six-day itinerary, monarchists and republicans are divided over what the trip means for Australia’s evolving identity.

Philip Benwell, chair of the Australian Monarchist League, emphasized the importance of the visit, stating, “The visit by the king brings it home that Australia is a constitutional monarchy and it has a king.” He criticized the state premiers, who declined to attend the royal reception in Canberra, calling it a “snub” to the monarch’s first visit to Australia.

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On the other hand, the Australian Republic Movement (ARM) has taken a different approach, launching a cheeky campaign titled *”Wave Goodbye to Royal Reign with Monarchy: The Farewell Oz Tour!”* ARM co-chair Esther Anatolitis likened royal tours to entertainment acts, saying, “Unfortunately, it is a reminder that Australia’s head of state isn’t full-time, isn’t Australian…it’s a part-time person based overseas.” She added, “We say to Charles and Camilla: ‘Welcome, we hope you’re enjoying our country…But we also look forward to this being the final tour of a sitting Australian monarch.’”

The visit has highlighted Australia’s changing demographics and growing calls for national independence. While Charles remains neutral on the republic issue, a Buckingham Palace letter reiterated that the future of Australia’s constitutional setup is for “the Australian public to decide.”

Charles’ visit, his first since his cancer diagnosis was revealed in February, comes as he continues treatment. After a brief period of reduced public appearances, he resumed royal duties in April. Following this trip to Australia, Charles is set to travel to Samoa for the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting.