King Charles visits Australia as the nation pauses its republic debate.

 King Charles visits Australia as the nation pauses its republic debate.

The last time King Charles and Camilla visited Australia in 2018, local marriage celebrant Lesley Kerl made a memorable impression in a bright red dress. She managed to engage the royal couple in conversation about tea, a topic dear to many Brits, while handing Charles—a then prince—a teapot gift from the crowd of supporters.

 

“I got the bug after I met him that time,” Kerl said, noting she supports the British royals, though she isn't a staunch monarchist. She plans to be in Sydney on Tuesday to try to meet the 75-year-old king again during his first visit to a Commonwealth realm since becoming sovereign.

 

After Australia, Charles will travel to Samoa for the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM), marking his first as head of the organization. This trip is significant as it’s his first long-haul journey since his cancer diagnosis earlier this year. His schedule has been adjusted to allow for rest during the 11-day tour, accommodating his treatment.

 

As with any royal visit, there’s a mix of ceremonial events and public discourse about Australia’s potential move toward a republic. Current sentiment suggests a shift won’t occur soon, particularly given Australia’s history of struggling with constitutional referendums. The recent defeat of a referendum aimed at enshrining an Indigenous advisory group in the constitution was a harsh reminder of the challenges involved.

 

While the sails of Sydney’s iconic Opera House were lit up for the royal couple’s arrival, some have less welcoming sentiments. Republican groups have dubbed the trip the “farewell Oz tour,” even selling merchandise depicting the royals as if they were a rock band on the brink of disbanding. Nathan Hansford, co-chair of the Australian Republic Movement, expressed a desire to see the end of royal influence.

 

In contrast, some politicians view this sentiment as disrespectful. “This man is undergoing cancer treatment. He has come to Australia as part of the Commonwealth,” said Bev McArthur, a member of Victoria’s state parliament, expressing disappointment over state premiers reportedly skipping a royal reception due to scheduling conflicts.

 

The King’s visit also coincides with the anniversary of the failed Voice referendum, which sought to give Indigenous Australians a stronger voice in governance—a defeat that still resonates deeply within those communities. For many, the royal visit feels like a distraction from pressing issues, such as the rising cost of living and housing affordability.

 

Despite these mixed feelings, Charles's visit holds historical significance, echoing his mother Queen Elizabeth II's post-coronation tour in 1954. After a pause in travel to Commonwealth realms, Charles's visit to Australia is particularly notable, especially with aides ensuring that the itinerary remains manageable for him.

 

During his time in Australia, the King and Queen will meet with Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, visit the Australian War Memorial, and connect with leading researchers in melanoma treatment. The couple will also take part in a community barbecue, a quintessentially Australian tradition.

 

Kerl plans to don bright clothing once again to catch the King’s eye, feeling it’s important to show support for a figure she has long admired. “I grew up with him and Princess Anne. Now, he’s finally King, and I want to support him,” she said, recalling her family’s royal connections stretching back to the 1930s.