“Give us what you stole from us: our bones, our skulls, our babies, our people.”
Aboriginal Australian Senator Lidia Thorpe interrupted a speech by King Charles III at Parliament House in Canberra today, accusing the monarch of genocide and colonialism. The incident occurred during a formal address, where Thorpe, a left-wing independent, shouted, “You are not our King” and “This is not your land.”
Thorpe later told local media that a white person could not be sovereign in Australia. She called on King Charles to issue an apology for British colonial atrocities committed, such as the Frontier Wars, where British settlers clashed with Indigenous communities in what became known as the Frontier Wars, lasting roughly from 1788 to the 1930s. These conflicts occasionally involved violent skirmishes and massacres.
Of course, Thorpe didn’t mention that the British built railways, ports and telegraph lines, which integrated Australia into a global trade network. Additionally, expeditions and studies conducted in colonies like Australia enriched universities and scientific societies with new botanical, zoological and geological knowledge.
Thorpe’s prior stances have drawn criticism, including from her own father, Roy Illingworth, who previously told Sky News that “she doesn’t acknowledge any of her white side.” He added that Thorpe “has got English background as well as Irish,” highlighting a point of contention within her own family.
Fox News has more, detailing how security removed Thorpe as she continued heckling:
“Give us what you stole from us: our bones, our skulls, our babies, our people,” Thorpe said to Charles.
“This is not your land. This is not your land. You are not my King, you are not our King!” Thorpe is heard yelling during a video of her being escorted away from the area.
Prior to the outburst, the King gave a speech in which he recognized the First Nations people and their “traditional wisdom,” and offered his respects to the “traditional owners of the lands on which we meet,” The Telegraph reported.
Thorpe’s behavior – which also included her telling the King, “You committed genocide against our people,” and, “F— the colonies” – is now being slammed by fellow lawmakers, the newspaper added.
“To show such utter disrespect to King Charles, who has traveled to Australia, despite ongoing cancer treatment, is disgusting,” conservative Senator Ralph Babet responded.
King Charles made the journey to Oceania despite undergoing cancer treatment, a detail that has added to the sensitivity of the visit.
Charles is currently undergoing treatment for an undisclosed form of cancer. During his royal tour to Australia and Samoa, he has paused his regular treatments, a decision made with the approval of his doctors. Despite scaling back some engagements, he is still participating in multiple daily events.
The Palace has not provided specifics on the type of cancer but media reports have ruled out prostate cancer.
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