King Charles faces lukewarm reception in Australia as no state premiers to attend welcome ceremony
King Charles III arrived in Australia on Friday (Oct. 18), marking his first visit to a Commonwealth nation as monarch since his coronation. However, local enthusiasm for his visit appears muted, with all six Australian state premiers reportedly not to attend the welcome ceremony.
Charles is scheduled to attend a welcome ceremony at Parliament House, which six state premiers were originally invited to the event. However, all six state premiers have declined the invitation, citing reasons ranging from cabinet meetings, campaign activities, overseas visits, and scheduling conflicts.
Pro-monarchist figures said that the absence of the state premiers showed a "huge lack of respect" for the Royals.
The Washington Post cited analysts suggesting that Charles lacks the public appeal of Queen Elizabeth II, and there is growing speculation that Commonwealth nations like Australia might hold referendums in the coming years to decide whether to become republics.
The report also referenced a poll from September last year—conducted one year after Charles III ascended to the throne—which found that 32% of Australians opposed retaining the monarchy, a significant increase from pre-Queen Elizabeth II's death. However, 35% of Australians still supported maintaining ties with the British royal family, while around one-fifth remained undecided.
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