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The National (Scotland)
The National (Scotland)
National
Joe Sullivan

UK anti-monarchy group to meet King Charles's Australia visit with protests

A UK anti-monarchy group is preparing to protest King Charles during his visit to Australia next month.

Republic is planning demonstrations in Sydney and Canberra to tell Charles that "he does not represent us".

The group's CEO Graham Smith, who will reach Australia at the end of September, said: "The message is simple, Charles does not speak for us, he does not represent us, he should go home.

"To Australians and the foreign press, I would say this: do not believe for a moment the British people are a nation of royalists. Most people either don't care much for the royals or they oppose them.

"Republic is growing, we have the resources and the reach to follow Charles, William and other royals where ever they might go."

The Australian Republic Movement, which campaigns for an elected head of state in Australia, has not endorsed protest, instead backing "conversation".

Writing on Twitter/X, the group said: "We'd rather have an Australian head of state celebrating Aussie leadership instead of taxpayers supporting a range of photo opportunities from a visiting King.

"It's not about protest or disruption – rather a conversation. Let's start it – and consider why it's time to wave goodbye to royal influence in our nation."

The group also pointed out that Charles's visit was branded an his "Autumn Tour", despite it currently being spring in Australia.

Smith said the future of the monarchy in Australia was for republicans there, remarking: "I won't be there to campaign for an Australian republic.

"Republic's message is about Charles and his role in the UK."

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