King Charles III has started out on his first tour of Australia as monarch, coinciding with increasing calls for the country to sever ties with the British monarchy and become a republic. The nine-day tour includes a visit to the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) in Samoa.
Despite being diagnosed with cancer earlier this year, Charles has paused his treatment for the tour. His visit comes amid heightened discussions surrounding reparations for slavery, as Caribbean leaders push for acknowledgment and compensation from member nations of the Commonwealth, which consists mostly of former British colonies.
In Australia, anti-monarchist groups are actively campaigning against the royal visit, with some state premiers reportedly declining invitations to meet the king. A recent YouGov poll indicated that one in three Australians support transitioning to a republic.
Charles and Queen Camilla will engage in various public activities in Australia, including discussions on climate change and health research, reflecting their commitment to contemporary issues.
Source: PACNEWS