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King Charles has reiterated that it is up to the people of Australia to decide whether the country remains a constitutional monarchy or becomes a republic. Ahead of the King's visit to Australia next week, the Australian Republic Movement received a letter from Buckingham Palace officials, clarifying the King’s position on this issue.

 

The correspondence, first reported by the *Daily Mail*, emphasized that "whether Australia becomes a republic" is a decision that lies with the Australian public. While King Charles and Queen Camilla are scheduled for several official events during their visit, including in Sydney and Canberra, the future of the monarchy in Australia is expected to be a recurring topic.

 

The letter sent by the palace restates the long-held stance of the monarchy rather than marking any shift in policy. As a constitutional monarch, King Charles operates based on the advice of his ministers, and decisions about Australia's political future, including its head of state, fall entirely within the purview of its citizens. "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," the letter explains.

 

This exchange between the palace and the Australian Republic Movement was described as amicable. The movement had previously requested a meeting with the King during his visit, as they continue to push for Australia to elect its own head of state. "While we respect the role the royals have played in the nation to date, 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 Isaac Jeffrey, a spokesperson for the movement. The campaign, which commends King Charles personally, is opposed to the monarchy's institutional role in Australia.

 

A referendum held in 1999 saw Australians vote to retain the constitutional monarchy. However, with the current government indicating earlier this year that another referendum is "not a priority," the push for a republic remains in limbo. Pro-republic advocates argue that the role of head of state should be filled by someone elected by Australians, not by a monarch from overseas.

 

The visit to Australia, scheduled from October 18 to 26, marks King Charles's most significant international trip since his cancer diagnosis earlier this year. His previous international engagement was in France for D-Day commemorations. While his treatment is expected to be paused during his stay in Australia, he is set to participate in various activities, including reviewing the Australian naval fleet in Sydney harbor, supporting environmental initiatives, and meeting with cancer experts. Following his time in Australia, the King will also attend the Commonwealth Heads of Government meeting in Samoa.

 

Although the subject of a republic may dominate some public discourse during the visit, King Charles's correspondence reflects his respect for the Australian people's right to choose their future. "The King appreciated that you took the time to write and asked me to reply on his behalf," reads the palace's letter. It further mentions the King and Queen’s "deep love and affection" for Australia, with appreciation expressed for the thoughtfulness of the republic campaigners' letter.

As Australia weighs its future, King Charles's stance remains clear: the question of the nation's constitutional future is a decision only Australians can make.

 

Based on a report from BBC 2024-10-15

 

 

 

[jippytum]

The question of Australia  as a republic has aways depended on a mandate from its citizens. 

Nothing new here. 

Until there is a referendum the politicians in power should at the very least have the decency to shake the hand of our visiting King. 

[RuamRudy]

9 hours ago, Social Media said:

King Charles has reiterated that it is up to the people of Australia to decide whether the country remains a constitutional monarchy or becomes a republic

 

Of course, regardless of what he thinks, he  can hardly say anything else. 

[damian]

We can rely on the feral left to get on board the bandwagon and embarrass Australians during the visit with their 'farewell banners' waved in the face of the visiting royals along with boos and chants of 'royals out'. 

 

Palestinian and aboriginal flags will also be displayed but are of course mandatory at every protest. 

 

Good response from the Palace. Sort of puts water on ARM's fire starting. 

[RuamRudy]

6 minutes ago, damian said:

We can rely on the feral left to get on board the bandwagon and embarrass Australians during the visit with their 'farewell banners' waved in the face of the visiting royals along with boos and chants of 'royals out'. 

 

Palestinian and aboriginal flags will also be displayed but are of course mandatory at every protest. 

 

Good response from the Palace. Sort of puts water on ARM's fire starting. 

 

Likewise, you can rely upon the docile, pliant, cap doffing, servile right to maintain the undemocratic status quo. 

[mfd101]

Yawn, seen it all before, including the Palace's standard lines.

 

Still be the same in 50 years when George succeeds William ...

[Brian Hull]

Bring on the Referendum. These is no place in the governing of Australia for its citizens to show deference to a foreign head of state. Bring on The Republic of Australia.

[JonnyF]

Aussies should be careful what they wish for. 

 

They've made enough mistakes the last couple of decades, they should refrain from making any more.