King Charles to steer clear of Republic debate, says decision rests with Australians

As the debate around whether Australia should move away from the Monarchy and become a Republic rages on, King Charles has revealed where he stands on the matter, stating that he will leave the decision to the Aussie public.

His stance came to light after the Australian Republic Movement extended an invitation to the Monarch to meet during his upcoming tour of Australia.

Responding to the request, the King’s private secretary Nathan Ross told the ARM that despite Charles’ “deep love and affection” for Australia and its people he would not stand in the way should Australia decide to ditch the Monarchy.

“Please be assured that your views on this matter have been noted very carefully,” Ross said.

“His Majesty, as a constitutional monarch, acts on the advice of his ministers and whether Australia becomes a republic is, therefore, a matter for the Australian public to decide.”

A Buckingham Palace spokesman later stated that, “Like his mother before him, it has always been the case that his majesty the King feels that it is a matter for the Australian people.”

King Charles’ stance on Australia’s future as a Monarchy comes as he and his wife, Queen Camilla, prepare for their upcoming tour of Australia, commencing on October 18. 

It will be the first trip to Australia by a reigning Monarch since 2011, when Charles’ mother, the late Queen Elizabeth II visited Brisbane, Melbourne, Canberra and Perth.

The royal couple will be officially welcomed by Prime Minister Anthony Albanese in Canberra, meet two Australian professors hailed for their pivotal research on melanoma skin cancer and review the Australian naval fleet in Sydney Harbour.

After the Australian leg, Charles will attend events in Samoa before gathering with world leaders for his first Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) since he became Monarch and head of the Commonwealth.

Although anticipation is high for King Charles’ visit and measures have been put in place to ensure his well-being, royal commentator Jennie Bond has previously expressed concern for the Monarch, claiming that his visit will be “quite testing”, especially given his ongoing cancer battle.

“Charles is 75, he is not a young man by any means”, she told GB News.

“He has been on the world scene for decades. His shoulders are broad and his mind is attuned to everything going on around the world.

“He is making a great job of it. I just hope he can continue to do so and get through this treatment.”