As Australia prepares to welcome King Charles for his inaugural visit as the head of state, the nation finds itself at a crossroads, with debates intensifying over its future relationship with the British monarchy.

The arrival of Charles and Queen Camilla, scheduled for the 18th of October with stops in Sydney and Canberra, has reignited discussions about republicanism and the monarchy's role in modern Australia.

The Australian Republic Movement (ARM), a group advocating for an Australian head of state, has been particularly vocal.

They made headlines this week when a letter from King Charles to the ARM was made public.

In this correspondence, the King expressed that he would not obstruct Australia's path to becoming a republic if the nation chose to do so.

Debates about Australia's relationship with the British monarchy are intensified ahead of King Charles' first visit as head of state. Credit: Shutterstock

This exchange began with a letter from the ARM in December 2023, which requested a meeting with King Charles during his visit to discuss Australia's future and asked for public support should Australians express a desire to transition to a republic.

In March, the King's assistant private secretary, Nathan Ross, responded on his behalf.

‘The King appreciated that you took the time to write and asked me to reply on his behalf,’ Ross wrote.

‘Please be assured that your views on this matter have been carefully noted.

His Majesty, as a constitutional Monarch, acts on the advice of his Ministers, and whether Australia becomes a republic is, therefore, a matter for the Australian public to decide.’

Australia's relationship with the monarchy has been debated for decades.

A referendum in 1999 saw a majority of Australians vote against becoming a republic, but the conversation has only partially dissipated.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has been a proponent of republicanism, even appointing an assistant minister for the republic upon taking office in 2022.

However, the urgency for a second referendum has waned, with the assistant ministry being abolished in July.

Nathan Hansford, co-chair of ARM, expressed the group's desire for a respectful dialogue about Australia's future as the King visits.

He cited research suggesting that while a small percentage of Australians are staunch monarchists, a significant majority would prefer an Australian head of state, and many are unaware that Charles is the current head of state.

Philip Benwell, national chair of the Australian Monarchist League, countered by praising the stability and security provided by the current constitutional arrangement.

‘Our constitution provides stability and security,’ he said.

‘There’s never been a major crisis with our constitution since 1901 [when Australia federated]…That’s what we are campaigning against, not for the sake of the King or, earlier, the Queen, but because we believe our constitution best protects our democracy in this country because it blocks politicians from total and absolute power.’

As the debate rages on, Australians are left to ponder their national identity and governance.

The ARM hopes that the royal visit will spark a broader conversation about whether the concept of a hereditary head of state aligns with Australia's values in 2024, considering its rich Indigenous history and diverse, multicultural society.

‘The King cannot officially meet with me, just as he cannot officially meet with the Republicans, because [the republic question] is an ongoing issue in this country.’ the ARM exclaimed.

‘He’s here to meet the people, not to become involved in political issues. He’s above that as king.’

Key Takeaways

• Debates around Australia's relationship with the British monarchy have intensified ahead of King Charles' first visit to Australia as head of state.
• King Charles stated in a letter that he would not stand in the way if Australia decided to become a republic, reinforcing that such decisions are for the Australian public to make.
• Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, who has been a proponent of Australia becoming a republic, has downplayed the urgency of a second referendum on the issue.
• Research conducted by the Australian Republic Movement suggests that most Australians would prefer an Australian head of state, while many are unaware that Charles is the current head of state.

Will his visit be a mere ceremonial affair, or will it become a catalyst for change? What are your thoughts on this royal visit and the republic debate? Feel free to share your thoughts and opinions in the comments below.

 

[Suzanne rose]

His visit is wasting taxpayer's money.

I don't feel we need the Royal Family or have any connection with the UK.

Maybe it's time for another vote. Alot has changed in 25 years

Two thirds of Australians believe taxpayers should not have to fund  King Charles and Camilla’s upcoming  Australian visit according to an exclusive nine.com.au poll.

Aussies who responded to the poll said the royals should not rely on taxpayer dollars to fund their planned visit in October, which will be their first since the King was crowned in 2023.

"The Monarchy have enough riches to fund their own trip, if they want to come. We shouldn't have to pay anything for them to visit us," one wrote.

Another said, "With the rising cost of living, money would be well-spent on helping Australians. Charles and Camilla have so much already and if they wanted to travel to Australia, they should fund their own trip."

Some took issue with the idea of Australian taxpayers being expected to fund a royal "holiday",

King Charles is looking at it as work , so Australians are funding it at a cost if over a Million Dollars

 

[NotNats]

This is a common type of reply from the British Monarchy as they are NOT ALLOWED to have personal views on anything political.

Remember it's the Government not the Monarchy that will start the next World War or plunge us into further poverty.

 

[GrannyJA!]

If I remember correctly, the 1999 referendum was a fairly closely run thing when areas of voting were taken into account. Mark Latham's big mouth was probably what prevented a win for Republicans.

 

[jojo3241]

As the old saying goes...

If it ain't broke, don't fix it!

 

[gamiry]

When will people other than ex Poms (who have already left England) please read History from centuries ago to the present day and wake up to this scandal ridden mob. They get rid of anyone worth keeping and keep filthy bastards like Charlie and Camilla who, with the Queen's blessing screwed each other in plain sight, and to hell with their own families. I totally object to paying for holidays for these filthy sods. Would any of you want to willingly pay for a fancy holiday for the local prostitute and her boyfriend. He will never be king while ever his arse points to the ground. Our own Danish Queen could teach them a lesson in DECENT behaviour. REMEMBER.... CAMILLA STATED SHE WOULD BE QUEEN WHILE SHE LIVED WITH HER HUSBAND AND KIDS. Against Elizabeth's wishes Camilla got what she wanted.

 

[Julie1946]

Be careful what you wish for.. can you imagine a head of state like Peter Fitzsimmons.. god help us .

 

[Toyo]

The problem with becoming a republic is that no model as to how we would move forward as a republic has ever been floated, its no good voting yes on a republic until we know how it would proceed and what the implications and costs involved are, there needs to be more transparency from the republican side of the fence as to moving forward as this is the major stumbling block to any referendum, fear of the unknown.
In an econony such as Australia is experiencing do we need to spend millions of taxpayer dollare to fund the monachy visit, they have more money than most Australian taxpayers will ever see in their lifetime.

 

[Suzanne rose]

When will people other than ex Poms (who have already left England) please read History from centuries ago to the present day and wake up to this scandal ridden mob. They get rid of anyone worth keeping and keep filthy bastards like Charlie and Camilla who, with the Queen's blessing screwed each other in plain sight, and to hell with their own families. I totally object to paying for holidays for these filthy sods. Would any of you want to willingly pay for a fancy holiday for the local prostitute and her boyfriend. He will never be king while ever his arse points to the ground. Our own Danish Queen could teach them a lesson in DECENT behaviour. REMEMBER.... CAMILLA STATED SHE WOULD BE QUEEN WHILE SHE LIVED WITH HER HUSBAND AND KIDS. Against Elizabeth's wishes Camilla got what she wanted.

So we'll said , I couldn't have said it better myself

 

[Col@45]

If the Royals are the richest people in the world, it beggars belief that Australian tax payers are funding this holiday for the King
The money would have been better spent on fixing our health system and helping all the homeless.

 

[IAN3005]

GOD forbid that we ever become a republic. Can you imagine the chaos and anarchy that will ensue, which will lead to even higher prices?

 

[Southmelbswans]

And I am certainly not sure if refugees who have come from republics democratic or otherwise would want to gp back to living in a republic agaib.

 

[Luckyus]

Be careful what you wish for.. can you imagine a head of state like Peter Fitzsimmons.. god help us .

Or the INEPT ALBO!!!

 

[gamiry]

Or the INEPT ALBO!!!

Not a lover of Fitz but preferrable to Leg-O-Mutton Dutton.

 

[gamiry]

GOD forbid that we ever become a republic. Can you imagine the chaos and anarchy that will ensue, which will lead to even higher prices?

I predicted Anarchy almost 50 years ago and we certainly have it now. Kids who do as they like. Adults who believe they don't have to work if they can hold families to ransom, steal whatever they want and not answer to anyone inc Courts. Heaven help us I'm glad to be on this end of my life so I don't have to watch the madmen of this world destroy everything, country by country.

 

[Luckyus]

They are at the invitation of the Federal Government, not as private citizens. As an expat notwithstanding, until such time as you can come up with neutral non political body to represent the country , I'd personally prefer to retain the titular head of state status quo and not some elected political tit.

 

[Jest]

His visit is wasting taxpayer's money.

I don't feel we need the Royal Family or have any connection with the UK.

Maybe it's time for another vote. Alot has changed in 25 years

Two thirds of Australians believe taxpayers should not have to fund  King Charles and Camilla’s upcoming  Australian visit according to an exclusive nine.com.au poll.

Aussies who responded to the poll said the royals should not rely on taxpayer dollars to fund their planned visit in October, which will be their first since the King was crowned in 2023.

"The Monarchy have enough riches to fund their own trip, if they want to come. We shouldn't have to pay anything for them to visit us," one wrote.

Another said, "With the rising cost of living, money would be well-spent on helping Australians. Charles and Camilla have so much already and if they wanted to travel to Australia, they should fund their own trip."

Some took issue with the idea of Australian taxpayers being expected to fund a royal "holiday",

King Charles is looking at it as work , so Australians are funding it at a cost if over a Million Dollars

ok let's put idiots like albo in charge for 4 years or some other such idiot. at least with the royals we know who we are getting. totally against this ARM.

 

[Jest]

They are at the invitation of the Federal Government, not as private citizens. As an expat notwithstanding, until such time as you can come up with neutral non political body to represent the country , I'd personally prefer to retain the titular head of state status quo and not some elected political tit.

thanks for your common sense. i so agree with you.

 

[Jest]

Not a lover of Fitz but preferrable to Leg-O-Mutton Dutton.

i see! you would have a dippy labourite in power. who said anything about Peter Dutton being in charge. it is by vote for all the dipsticks to vote.

 

[Luckyus]

ok let's put idiots like albo in charge for 4 years or some other such idiot. at least with the royals we know who we are getting. totally against this ARM.

With a little bit of word manipulation ARM, can RAM it up their arse.