The heads of six Australian states are expected to miss a reception for King Charles III when he arrives in the country later this week. Despite being an independent nation since 1986, Australia still recognizes the British monarch as its head of state. In 1999, a referendum to declare Australia a republic failed due to the popularity of Queen Elizabeth II at the time.
The Australian Republic Movement (ARM) has revived its campaign for republic status following Queen Elizabeth’s passing last year. The group argues that Australia should be on equal footing with other nations and have an Australian as their head of state. Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has expressed support for another referendum on the issue.
In a letter to ARM, King Charles III stated that he would not stand in the way of Australians electing a president instead of a monarch, recognizing the constitutional authority of his ministers on this matter. The group’s invitation to meet with the king was politely declined.
There are currently 14 countries worldwide that still consider the British sovereign their head of state, including Australia. Barbados declared itself a republic in 2021 and chose to remain in the Commonwealth, maintaining friendly relations with London. Jamaica is expected to hold a referendum on the issue later this year.