Historic visit- The King of England will visit Australia for the first time. Charles III- Will not interfere in whether to transform into a republic

On July 17, images released by the British Parliament featured King Charles III and Queen Camilla delivering a throne speech during the State Opening of Parliament. As King of Australia, Charles III has informed Australian republicans that he will not interfere if a referendum is held to remove him as the country’s head of state.

According to a report from the Daily Mail on November 11, the King, accompanied by Queen Camilla, is set to arrive in Australia on the 18th for a historic six-day official visit. This trip marks both Charles III’s first visit as the monarch of Australia and the first time a British king has visited the country. He has reportedly assured local anti-monarchists that if Australians ever choose to vote to eliminate his role as head of state, he will respect their decision.

The political group Australians for a Constitutional Monarchy (ARM) has written to Buckingham Palace, requesting a meeting with Charles III during his landmark royal tour next week. In their letter, ARM commended the British royal family for its “significant contributions” and noted that many Australians continue to “respect the British monarchy,” hoping that Australia and the UK remain “closest friends and allies.”

However, ARM maintains that the time has come for Australia to stand “on equal footing” with other nations and claims to have growing support for this movement.

Dr. Nathan Ross, the King’s assistant private secretary, emphasized the monarch’s “love and affection” for Australia in his response. He assured ARM that their views were “carefully noted” and added that as a constitutional monarch, the King acts on the advice of his ministers, meaning the question of whether Australia becomes a republic is ultimately for the Australian public to decide. He praised ARM’s letter as “thoughtful” and offered “warm appreciation.”

The last referendum on Australia becoming a republic took place in 1999, with nearly 55% of voters supporting the retention of the constitutional monarchy. The current Albanese government stated back in January that plans for a republic referendum are indefinitely postponed, indicating that it is “not a priority.”