King Charles Faces Indigenous Protests in Australia Amid Calls for Reconciliation

King Charles travels to Redfern, Sydney, amid protests from Indigenous senator Lidia Thorpe questioning his sovereignty. The visit highlights Australia's complex reconciliation journey, particularly following a failed referendum to recognize Aboriginal people. Charles will meet Indigenous Elders and visit community projects, emphasizing his commitment to reconciliation and sustainability.

King Charles, on a significant foreign tour, visited Redfern, the cradle of Australia's urban Aboriginal civil rights movement in Sydney. His visit comes after a notable protest at Parliament House, where Indigenous senator Lidia Thorpe critiqued his reign and called for an Indigenous treaty.

Thorpe's objections follow recent tensions after a referendum to acknowledge Aboriginal people in Australia's constitution was defeated. The King, aware of these disparities, highlighted Australia's arduous reconciliation journey. Not all Indigenous voices support Thorpe's methods; former Olympian Nova Peris expressed disappointment over Thorpe's decision to disrupt the event.

In Sydney, Charles will engage with Indigenous leaders in Redfern and observe sustainable community projects backed by his charitable trust. His visit aims to foster dialogues on reconciliation and sustainability, reflecting his enduring interests. Charles and Queen Camilla's itinerary includes a public appearance at Sydney's Opera House before attending an international summit in Samoa.

(With inputs from agencies.)