‘King Charles’s upcoming visit to Australia has evoked mixed reactions.  While the University of Queensland Monarchist League celebrates its annual ball by auctioning and showing royal memorabilia, most Australians seem indifferent.  This marks a growing divide in the country regarding the relevance of the British monarchy in the modern era of Australia.’

The king’s tour of Australia takes place from October 18 to 26.  He visits the country when people increasingly discuss living costs and political debates.  His visit is seen as a testament to his love for Australia in times of now being on cancer treatment.

To many monarchical individuals, like student Eliza Kingston, the King is an integral source of historical facts and traditions in Australia. ‘ However many younger Australians, tend to have less involvement with the monarchy.  For instance, Students at the University of Sydney appeared to show little understanding of the King’s visit, with some stating that their generation cares more about personal matters than about the royal family.’

This is reflected in polls.  A 2023 survey indicated that 60% of Australians still supported keeping the monarchy.  On the other hand, a YouGov survey showed that only 35% of those polled support the monarchy, as opposed to 32% preferring that the country transition into a republic.  Others either like to wait and see until the King dies, or they are still indefinite. 

The Australian Republic Movement (ARM) takes this indecisiveness as its chance and expects the nation to one day vote for a referendum to abolish the monarchy.  ARM has recently run a funny campaign showing the royal family acting like old rock stars on their final tour while appealing to Australians to “wave goodbye to royal reign.”

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese is one of Australia’s most prominent republicans. ‘ He has long advocated for Australia to be independent of the monarchy and has spoken on many occasions about his vision for that future if he ever becomes prime minister.  Yet, when he reshuffled his cabinet last week, Albanese also withdrew from the promised referendum.  Economic challenges and last year’s failed referendum on recognising Indigenous Australians have brought the momentum for constitutional change to a halt.  Many Indigenous Australians continue to grapple with the legacy of colonialism and believe that issues pertinent to First Nations should be addressed before further constitutional reforms.’

Indeed, the question of how Australians perceive their ties to the British monarchy is likely to be one of the lingering debates in this developing multicultural country.  It may be an issue close to the hearts of many older people, but it does not ignite younger Australians’ passions.  King Charles’s visit may give Australia a pause for reflection on what it was once and could be again.

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