Lidia Thorpe: King-heckling row grows as violent image taken down

Certain Indigenous leaders have spoken out against an Australian senator's interruptions directed at King Charles, following the negative response she received for showcasing a violent image of the monarch on her social media account, even if only for a short time.

Lidia Thorpe, an Indigenous Australian, gained international attention when she declared "you are not my king" and "this is not your land" before being removed from a royal event in Canberra on Monday.

Some activists have lauded the independent senator's protest as courageous, while others among the prominent Aboriginal Australian community have criticized it as "shameful" and lacking respect.

Thorpe has stood by her actions during the event but acknowledged that a cartoon she later shared on her Instagram was not suitable.

The senator mentioned that the illustration, showing the King decapitated next to his crown, was posted by a staff member without her awareness.

"I removed it immediately after I noticed. I would never purposely post anything that might be interpreted as promoting violence towards anyone."

The picture that has sparked outrage contributes to the intense examination of her behavior on Monday.

Aunty Violet Sheridan, an Aboriginal elder, officially greeted King Charles and Queen Camilla during their visit to Ngunnawal territory. She mentioned to the Guardian Australia, "Lidia Thorpe doesn't represent me or my community, and I believe she doesn't speak for many First Nations people either."

Nova Peris, a former senator and the first Aboriginal woman to serve in parliament, who has been a steadfast advocate for republicanism, described Thorpe's actions as "humiliating and disheartening."

"Australia is progressing in its reconciliation efforts. Although this journey is challenging, it demands open conversations, empathy, and a collective dedication to healing, rather than actions that create division and distract from the advancements we are achieving as a nation," she expressed on X.

Nevertheless, other well-known Indigenous activists have praised Thorpe's position.

Vanessa Turnbull-Roberts, a lawyer and writer from the Bundjalung community, expressed that inviting the monarchy to visit the country is one of the most damaging and disrespectful actions, especially considering its historical context.

"When Thorpe talks, she carries the spirit of her ancestors with her."

Following her demonstration, Thorpe informed the BBC that she aimed to convey a "strong message" to the King.

"To truly be sovereign, you need to be connected to the land," she explained. "He doesn’t belong to this place."

During her remarks on Tuesday, Thorpe explained that she interrupted the King’s welcome ceremony in Parliament because her numerous written attempts to arrange a meeting and have a respectful discussion with the monarch went unanswered.

She expressed to the Australian Broadcasting Corporation that she wished for everyone to understand the struggles faced by her community in this nation and for the King to offer an apology.

"Why doesn't he apologize for all the countless massacres that have taken place in this country, acknowledging that his ancestors and his kingdom played a role in them?" she asked.

A number of Australian politicians, including Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, have spoken out against her protest, while UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer has come to the defense of the monarchy.

When reporters questioned him about whether it was inappropriate for Australian politicians to yell at the King, Sir Keir responded, "I believe the King is doing an excellent job and serves as a remarkable representative, not only for our nation but for the entire Commonwealth."

"He continues to contribute to his community through public service, despite facing his own health issues."

Albanese stated that Thorpe had failed to meet the acceptable standards of conduct that Australians expect from their legislators. Meanwhile, opposition leader Peter Dutton urged Thorpe to step down from her position.

"I honestly don’t mind what Dutton has to say," Thorpe stated during an interview with ABC radio.

"I'll be around for the next three years, so you might as well get accustomed to hearing the truth."