As King Charles arrives in Australia for his first visit as the nation’s head of state, discussions about republicanism have resurfaced in the media. The Australian Republic Movement (ARM) hopes this might signal the monarchy’s “farewell tour.” Meanwhile, some Australian monarchists have labeled the absence of all six state premiers from a Canberra reception for Charles and Camilla as an “insult” or “snub.” The British royal family’s relationship with Australia is under scrutiny following Queen Elizabeth II’s passing, as royal visits often spark debate over the monarchy’s constitutional role.
The king’s acknowledgment that Australia’s choice to become a republic is a decision for its people has garnered attention. In a response to an ARM letter last year, one of Charles’s private secretaries confirmed that “whether Australia becomes a republic is…a matter for the Australian public to decide,” highlighting that, as a constitutional monarch, the king acts on the advice of ministers.
Dr. Craig Prescott, a constitutional law expert at Royal Holloway, University of London, pointed out that the royal family has no constitutional say in Australia’s choice of head of state, citing the 1999 referendum as evidence of the country’s autonomy in such matters. A Buckingham Palace spokesperson echoed this sentiment, noting that, like Queen Elizabeth before him, King Charles regards the monarchy’s future as an Australian issue.
King Charles’s stance mirrors that of his mother, who, after the 2000 referendum, emphasized that only the Australian people could decide the monarchy’s future. Even in 1994, Charles, then Prince of Wales, recognized increasing demands for constitutional reform, stating that only Australians could determine their nation’s path forward.
Similar sentiments have been expressed across the Commonwealth. In 2022, Prince William affirmed the Caribbean nations’ autonomy in deciding their futures during an official visit. Charles, who attended the Barbados ceremony marking its transition to a republic, supported the move, aligning with Buckingham Palace’s and the British government’s consistent approach.
The king and queen’s tour of Australia, en route to the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting in Samoa, marks the first visit by a British sovereign since 2011. They will be hosted by Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, a known advocate for Australia becoming a republic. Recent polling indicates that 45% of Australians support the constitutional monarchy, while 33% favor a republic, with the remainder undecided.
While the king’s personal views remain private, he is bound to maintain a neutral stance. Prescott suggested that transitioning to republics could align with the king’s preference for a streamlined monarchy, given the challenges of frequent visits to the 14 Commonwealth realms where he serves as head of state. He noted that connections to the monarchy have weakened since Queen Elizabeth ascended the throne in 1952, with today’s politicians often lacking the same deep ties to the British crown.
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