King Charles reaffirms Respect for Australian Democracy as Republic Movement Gains Momentum Ahead of Royal Visit
King Charles has pledged not to interfere if Australia decides to remove him as head of state, as momentum grows for the country to become a republic.
Speaking ahead of his upcoming royal visit to Australia, the monarch told anti-monarchists that he would respect the decision of the Australian people in a potential vote to end the monarchy.
The Australian Republic Movement (ARM) has formally requested a meeting with the King during his visit, prompting a response from Buckingham Palace. The King’s assistant private secretary, Dr. Nathan Ross, expressed the monarch’s “deep love and affection” for Australia, adding that the issue of Australia becoming a republic is ultimately “for the Australian public to decide.”
The ARM has commended the royal family’s contributions but emphasized that it’s time for Australia to step forward “on an equal footing with other nations.” The group claims growing support for the republic movement, though a referendum in 1999 saw 55% of Australians vote to retain the monarchy.
Charles’ representative in Australia, Governor-General Sam Mostyn, reaffirmed the King’s admiration for modern Australia but noted that any engagement would be within a limited timeframe, given the King’s health.
The Australian government has recently said it is not prioritizing a new referendum on the issue, though the debate continues to gain attention.
Will Australia sever ties with the monarchy, or will Charles remain the nation’s ceremonial head of state? The choice, the King emphasized, lies with the Australian public.
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