Sir Keir Starmer has come to the defense of King Charles, praising his “fantastic” work in Australia despite facing “health challenges”. The support comes after a fiery outburst directed at the King by Australian senator Lidia Thorpe in the country’s parliament.
The incident occurred during the royal reception at the Great Hall of Parliament House where Thorpe confronted the King, shouting, “you are not my king” and accusing him of “committing genocide against our people”. She demanded a treaty negotiation between Australia’s First Nations and the government, urging the return of land she claimed was stolen.
Responding to questions about the protest, Sir Keir commended the King’s role as an ambassador not only for the UK but also across the Commonwealth. He highlighted Charles’ dedication to public service despite facing health issues, expressing anticipation for the Commonwealth summit in Samoa this week.
Aunty Violet Sheridan, a senior Ngunnawal Elder who welcomed Charles and Camilla to her ancestral lands, distanced herself from Thorpe’s actions and acknowledged the King’s health condition. She expressed disappointment over the incident and emphasized Charles’ long-awaited role as king, despite his battle with cancer.
The King’s visit to Australia, part of his first state visit since his cancer diagnosis earlier this year, includes discussions at the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting in Samoa. The summit is expected to address pressing issues such as reparations for the impact of the transatlantic slave trade, an issue Labour MPs have raised for consideration.
While leaders of Caribbean nations have called for reparations, the Prime Minister’s spokesman clarified that it was not on the agenda for the summit. The government’s stance remains unchanged, emphasizing engagement with partners to address current challenges and opportunities within the Commonwealth.
As Charles continues his diplomatic efforts despite health challenges, support and scrutiny accompany his official engagements, showcasing both his resilience and the complexities of modern Commonwealth relations.