Royal Visit 2024: Australia’s Divided Path Between Monarchy and Republic

A Long-Standing Relationship

King Charles’s upcoming visit marks his 17th trip to Australia, underscoring a relationship that dates back to his first visit in 1966.

At the age of 17, then Prince Charles attended two terms at Timbertop, a campus of Geelong Grammar School located in the mountains of Victoria.

His time there left a lasting impression.

Charles once said it was “by far the best” experience of his education.

Personal Ties and Memorable Moments

Charles’s connection to Australia extends beyond his formative years.

In 1983, he visited the country with Princess Diana, stopping at the iconic Uluru.

This trip was a significant public event, capturing the hearts of Australians and showcasing the royal couple against one of the world’s most stunning backdrops.

Most recently, he inaugurated the 2018 Commonwealth Games on the Gold Coast, reaffirming his enduring bond with the country.

Shaping Perceptions

These repeated visits have played a role in shaping both public and personal perceptions of the monarchy in Australia.

With each visit, King Charles has strengthened his ties, trying to balance his official duties with genuine personal engagements.

This consistent interaction is seen by many monarchists as a sign of his dedication and commitment to Australia.

The connection is not merely historical but also personal, as evidenced by his engagement in educational and sporting events that resonate with the Australian public.

With King Charles’s long history and personal ties to Australia underscored, the stage is set to explore how public sentiment and contemporary issues shape the national discourse on monarchy and republicanism.

Current Public Sentiment

Australian sentiments toward the monarchy have never been static, and King Charles’s upcoming visit only adds fuel to this ongoing debate.

Contemporary opinions are notably divided, with recent polling showcasing a nation at a crossroads.

A YouGov survey indicated that 35% of Australians support maintaining the monarchy, while 32% favor transitioning to a republic.

This split is emblematic of deeper societal divides, particularly concerning generational perspectives on the monarchy.

Generational Divide

The monarchy’s support tends to skew older.

Younger Australians, engulfed in their day-to-day lives and university pressures, often appear indifferent to the debate.

Take Charlotte Greatrex, a 19-year-old student from the University of Sydney: “To be honest, not that many people would know about or think too much about it,” she says, highlighting the indifference among her peers.

Her friend Gus Van Aanholt adds, “I feel older generations, like my parents and my grandparents, would have much more of a stronger connection to the monarchy”.

Widespread Indifference Among Youth

While older generations might reminisce about the Queen’s steadfast presence, younger Australians are less captivated.

At the Royal Hotel Darlington pub, students seemed mostly unaware of the King’s imminent visit.

Their primary concerns lie elsewhere, ranging from academic achievements to burgeoning social lives.

This pervasive indifference among the younger demographic provides fertile ground for the Australian Republic Movement, which aims to frame King Charles’s visit as a farewell tour for the monarchy.

Broader Public Opinion

A mere 38% of respondents in the YouGov poll expressed indifference toward the monarchy, unable to lean decisively in either direction.

Meanwhile, 21% remained uncertain about transitioning to a republic, suggesting that many Australians are either undecided or presently disinterested in major constitutional changes.

The ongoing cost-of-living crisis and other immediate concerns likely contribute to this ambivalence.

Public sentiment towards the monarchy in Australia remains complex and multifaceted, a reflection of the nation’s evolving identity and priorities.

As the country prepares to welcome King Charles once more, the significance of this visit transcends royal protocol, dipping into deep sociopolitical undercurrents.

Next, we’ll explore how this split in opinion manifests in public celebrations and the activities of dedicated monarchist groups across the nation.

Monarchist Support and Celebrations

Royal fervor is alive and well among certain circles in Australia, as evidenced by the annual ball hosted by the University of Queensland Monarchist League.

This glitzy event is a testament to the enduring enthusiasm for the Crown among its devotees.

Featuring bottomless drinks, a three-course dinner, and an auction packed with royal memorabilia, the gathering is a vibrant celebration of royal tradition and heritage.

University of Queensland Monarchist League’s Annual Ball

The evening kicks off with a rousing rendition of “God Save The King,” followed by Australia’s national anthem.

Attendees, comprised of 200 students and guests, feast on a luxurious dinner before the highly anticipated auction begins.

Memorabilia on the auction block include a limited-edition Royal Doulton plate to commemorate the King’s 60th birthday, an oil painting of King George V, and a bottle of Cabernet Sauvignon signed by former Prime Minister Tony Abbott.

Highlighting Dedication Through Royal Memorabilia

For royal enthusiasts, these events are more than just parties; they are manifestations of a broader dedication to the monarchy.

Collecting and auctioning royal memorabilia becomes a tangible way to express their appreciation.

The king’s fight with health issues and his commitment to visiting Australia despite these challenges serve to deepen their reverence for his role.

As student Eliza Kingston expressed, “He’s such a big part of our history and our traditions, it’s wonderful we get to celebrate it”.

Symbol of Commitment

King Charles’s decision to travel over 16,000 kilometers and cross 10 time zones to tour Australia while undergoing cancer treatment underscores his dedication to the nation.

Supporters view this effort not just as a routine royal visit but as a significant gesture cementing his commitment to Australia.

The monarchist community sees his visit as proof that the King remains an integral figure in Australian history and society.

While ardor for the monarchy thrives in select pockets, it is essential to understand the broader dynamics and contrasting opinions that shape Australia’s future discourse on monarchical ties.

The rising call for republicanism and political undertones will be explored in the forthcoming sections.

Republican Movement and Political Landscape

The Australian Republic Movement (ARM) sees King Charles’s visit as an opportunity to reignite discussions about moving away from the monarchy.

Dubbed the “farewell tour,” their campaign uses humor to depict the royal family as aging rock stars on their final leg, urging Aussies to “wave goodbye to royal reign.”

Despite the defeat of the 1999 referendum on becoming a republic, the ARM wants the question revisited, contending that it’s the last step towards full independence from the Crown.

Co-chair Nathan Hansford articulates this sentiment clearly: “It’s really a story about us moving forward as a nation”.

Political Landscape

As King Charles and Queen Camilla prepare to land in Sydney, they will be met by Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, one of Australia’s leading republicans.

Albanese has consistently shown that he envisions a future for Australia without a monarchy.

In line with this vision, he appointed an assistant minister for the republic, signaling the government’s republican stance.

However, economic concerns have pushed the referendum off the table for now. Rising costs and economic insecurities dominate public discourse, making the timing for a republican vote suboptimal.

Albanese has assessed that economic stability takes precedence over what could be perceived as a costly distraction.

Postponing the Republican Referendum

The decision to postpone the referendum is pragmatic, given Australia’s current economic situation.

Inflation and the cost-of-living crisis have made everyday essentials increasingly unaffordable.

In such a climate, the government acknowledges that a referendum would likely not gain the necessary support to pass.

Moreover, the removal of the republican portfolio indicates that the government recognizes the lack of public appetite for this significant constitutional shift at this moment.

This deferral has left many Indigenous Australians feeling that their issues remain unresolved.

The 2021 referendum on recognizing Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples failed, showing the nation’s struggle with its colonial legacy.

As Allira Davis, co-chair of the Uluru Youth Dialogue, aptly puts it, “We have to make sure that we deal with First Nations issues before debating our future”.

The dynamics at play reflect a nation grappling with its identity and history while facing modern-day challenges.

While the current postponement has stalled the republican movement, it has not extinguished it.

The debate around Australia’s future ties to the monarchy continues to simmer in the background, setting the stage for ongoing discussions about national identity and governance.

Transitioning to the next facet of Australia’s evolving relationship with the monarchy, one cannot overlook the deep-rooted Indigenous perspectives and the enduring impact of the colonial legacy.

Indigenous Perspectives and Colonial Legacy

The 2021 Referendum on Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Recognition

One of the most significant recent events highlighting Australia’s colonial legacy is the failed 2021 referendum on the constitutional recognition of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.

The referendum aimed to formally acknowledge the First Nations’ contribution to the country and address historical injustices, but it did not pass.

This result was a significant setback for many Indigenous Australians who viewed the referendum as a critical step toward reconciliation and healing.

Addressing First Nations Issues

Many believe that before Australia can engage in meaningful debates about becoming a republic, it’s essential to address First Nations issues comprehensively.

Allira Davis, a Cobble Cobble woman and co-chair of the Uluru Youth Dialogue, emphasizes the importance of understanding the history of what has happened in the country.

She points out that many Indigenous Australians still experience intergenerational trauma, making it crucial to deal with these historical impacts before moving forward on the republic question.

Changing Demographics and Representation

Australia today is vastly different from the nation it was during King Charles’s first visit in 1966.

The country has transformed into a multicultural society with diverse backgrounds.

This changing demographic landscape has fueled a desire for more diverse representation in leadership positions, including the head of state.

As one commentator puts it, Australians look forward to seeing a more representative figure who mirrors the nation’s multicultural identity.

These dynamics set the stage for further discussions about leadership and governance, opening up avenues for future considerations on the nation’s identity and structure.