In his speech, King Charles acknowledged messages from Indigenous leaders, reflecting on his appreciation for First Nations peoples and their culture.

Opposition leader Peter Dutton defended the monarchy, noting that many republic supporters were honored to attend the royal reception, despite some state governments declining invitations.

Thorpe, a former Green Party politician of Indigenous descent, is known for her activism in Indigenous rights, justice reform, and environmental issues.

During his official visit to Australia on October 21, 2024, King Charles III faced protests led by Australian lawmaker Lidia Thorpe, who accused the monarchy of genocide and called for a treaty with Indigenous peoples.

Housing Minister Clare O'Neill criticized the protest as inappropriate, arguing it detracted from the significance of the Welcome to Country ceremony.

The royal couple began their day at St Thomas' Anglican Church in North Sydney, marking their first public appearance after a rest day, attended by a local congregation amid a strong security presence due to nearby protests.

Thorpe expressed her commitment to her ancestors by resisting colonization and emphasized that peace would look like a treaty.

The reception for the royals was organized with a guest list approved by the Prime Minister's department and Buckingham Palace, complicating any efforts to remove Thorpe without undermining the event's message of reconciliation.

Although Thorpe's protest did not escalate to violence, it raised significant questions about the monarchy's future interactions with Indigenous issues.

The incident, which occurred shortly after the King's speech, was widely reported in the media, with some outlets labeling it an 'outburst'.

Experts note that despite changing views on the monarchy, it still provides a sense of stability and relevance within Australia's political landscape.

Thorpe has consistently campaigned for Indigenous rights, emphasizing the need for a treaty as part of any future moves towards an Australian republic.