Aboriginal Protester Arrested During King’s Sydney Visit.
An Aboriginal protester was arrested at the Sydney Opera House during the final day of King Charles and Queen Camilla’s tour of Australia. The incident unfolded as crowds gathered at the harbourside to catch a glimpse of the royal couple on Tuesday afternoon.
The protester, Wayne Wharton, a prominent Indigenous activist from Brisbane, was arrested after he shouted anti-monarchist slogans and refused to comply with police orders to move on. Wharton’s vocal opposition included the declaration, “He’s not my King,” echoing the sentiments expressed by independent Senator Lidia Thorpe during a protest in Canberra the day before. The senator’s actions have sparked both support and criticism within Indigenous communities and beyond.
As Wharton protested, many of the onlookers, waving mini Union Jack flags, responded by chanting “God save the King.” The royal visit, which has seen widespread enthusiasm, was not marred by the protest, but it highlighted ongoing tensions surrounding Australia’s relationship with the monarchy and its colonial past.
Wharton’s arrest was met with applause from some members of the crowd, who had been queuing since early in the morning to see the King and Queen. Karen Clark, attending with her two young sons dressed in royal-themed outfits, said, “We want to celebrate our country and all the people in it. We were brought up with the King, and we celebrate the King’s birthday with the boys—it’s fun to have high tea and dress up in our best outfits.”
However, not everyone shared this celebratory mood. Wharton’s daughter, Nellie Pollard-Wharton, was present during her father’s arrest and expressed frustration at the crowd’s reaction. “It’s laughable to see people cheering as he’s put into a paddy wagon for standing up for his rights,” she said. She emphasised the need for continued resistance to ensure Indigenous rights are recognised and to address ongoing issues such as deaths in custody and health disparities within Indigenous communities.
The royal visit, which has been marked by both celebrations and protests, included a stop at the National Centre of Indigenous Excellence in Redfern, where King Charles met with Aboriginal elders. The King also attended a community picnic in Parramatta, where he engaged with locals and even tried his hand at cooking sausages on a barbeque.
While the royal tour has been well-received by many, it has also reignited conversations about Australia’s colonial legacy and the future of its relationship with the monarchy. The protests by Indigenous activists such as Wharton and Senator Thorpe serve as a reminder of the complexities surrounding the royal visit and the ongoing struggle for recognition and self-determination within Australia’s Indigenous population.
