King Charles and Queen Camilla were "only sorry" they couldn't meet more fans after a royal walkabout in Australia was cut short due to an angry protest .
The royal couple, who are currently touring Australia , visited Canberra where King Charles delivered a speech at Government House. However, the event took a dramatic turn when an angry indigenous politician confronted the royals, approaching the stage while shocked MPs and guests looked on.
Senator Lidia Thorpe shouted at the King and Queen: "You are not my King", as royal protection officers tried to escort her out of the building. She accused Charles and Camilla of committing genocide against her people.
Thorpe demanded: "You committed genocide against our people. Give us our land back, give us back what you stole from us. Our bones, our skulls, our babies, our people."
She continued: "You destroyed our lands, give us a treaty, we want a treaty in the country, you are a genocidalist. This is not your land, this is not your land, you are not my King, you are not our King."
As she was led away, she was heard shouting "not my King" and "f--- the colony". Following the incident, a planned walkabout occurred outside the Parliament building, where dozens of fans had been waiting under the hot Canberra sun since 8am to see the King and Queen.
The royal meet and greet was brief, leaving some fans disappointed as the royals spent less than 10 minutes greeting the crowds. A palace source refuted claims that the event was cut short due to internal chaos, stating that the schedule had overrun by 15 minutes and Their Majesties regretted not being able to meet everyone.
They said: "Their Majesties were deeply touched by seeing and hearing the very many thousands who'd turned out to support them, and are only sorry they didn't have a chance to stop and talk to every single one. The warmth and scale of the reception was truly awesome. While they are grateful to all the crowds, Their Majesties particularly enjoyed hearing individual stories of those who'd made such a special effort to be there."
Regarding a protestor, a palace source stated that the King remained "unruffled" and would "not let it overshadow what has otherwise been a wonderful day". Earlier in the day, the King participated in an indigenous "smoking ceremony" in Canberra, marking his first Royal tour since his cancer diagnosis, with a focus on Australia's indigenous communities.
After laying floral tributes to honor the sacrifices of Australian Defence Force troops, Charles and Camilla visited the memorial's roll of honour, where a tradition has emerged for family members to place poppies beside the names of their lost loved ones. However, outside the Australian War Memorial, King Charles was left in "disbelief" when an alpaca, donning a crown and suit with a golden bow tie, sneezed on him during their introduction.
The nine-year-old alpaca named Hephner, whose mother was called Playgirl, failed to keep his composure and sneezed loudly as the King petted him, causing laughter among the onlookers. Thousands came out to welcome Charles and Camilla, with enthusiastic fans brandishing flags and banners.
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