Charles III Would Not Oppose Australia Declaring Itself a Republic: The Daily Mail

The King of the United Kingdom, Charles III, would not oppose Australia declaring itself a republic and no longer recognizing the British monarch as the head of state. This was reported by The Daily Mail, citing excerpts from a letter sent by the monarch's private secretary to members of the Australian Republican Movement ahead of Charles III's visit to Canberra and Sydney.

“As a constitutional monarch, His Majesty acts on the advice of his ministers, so the question of Australia becoming a republic is a matter to be determined by the Australian people,” the document states in response to the movement's request for a meeting with the King.

The Australian Republican Movement, founded in 1991, argues that the head of state should be elected, and the position of governor-general should be abolished. It is expected that Australia and the United Kingdom will remain “close friends and allies.”

Australia's referendum took place nationwide on November 6, 1999, with nearly 12 million Australians participating. Citizens were asked whether they supported the idea of converting the nation into a parliamentary republic led by a president. The republican movement needed to secure more than 50% of the votes in at least four states but ultimately, 55% of voters opted to maintain the authority of the British monarch, while only 45% voted in favor of establishing a republic.

Discussions about declaring a republic in Australia have intensified following the death of Queen Elizabeth II in September 2023.