King Charles would be “sad” but “respectful” of the Australian people’s decision if the country votes to become a republic, an expert has told Encause.co.uk. The anti-monarchy movement in the country has accelerated over the past year, notably with the election of Anthony Albanese as prime minister and the death of Queen Elizabeth II.
Associate Professor Cindy McCreery, a cultural historian with an interest in modern monarchy and colonialism, told Encause.co.uk that while the monarch would be “sad and disappointed” to see Australia become a republic, he would not not attempt to influence the decision in any way.
She said: ‘If you look at the background of the Queen and the British Royal Family during decolonisation, you can see that they were, I think, on the whole very respectful and very clear that there It is absolutely the will of individual people in this country.
” It is important. And I absolutely think that Charles will continue on this path. »
She acknowledged that Her Majesty would have been sorry to lose Australia but would never have interfered in the country’s political process.
When asked what a republic in Australia would mean for Britain, Professor McCreery replied: “I think there is a particular fascination with Australia in the British region.
“I think there is a feeling that if Australia were to leave Britain there would be a risk of failure. [the monarchy] I think there’s a feeling that if Australia left the Union, it would give Brits pause and I think there might be some sadness, for some people.
“To others they might think, ‘oh my god, if Australia is out of the picture, maybe it’s time we in Britain thought about it more seriously.’
“I don’t want to suggest that Australia becoming a republic would mean Britain becoming one, but I think it would give people pause to think in a way that smaller Caribbean nations don’t. have not. »
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In 2021, Barbados, an island nation, announced it would become a republic but remain within the Commonwealth, an organization whose legacy the Queen was keen to protect.
If Australia were to become a republic, it is likely to remain a member of the Commonwealth as well, according to Professor McCreery.
She said: “The vast majority of Commonwealth members are actually republics and I think it is very likely that if Australia were to become a republic they would decide to stay in the Commonwealth.
“I think King Charles would push for that and, rather than trying to cling to Australia as a kingdom, he would underline his wish for Australia to remain in the Commonwealth. »
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Since Anthony Albanese was elected last May, his Labor government has made clear its desire to abolish the country’s constitutional monarchy.
However, Mr Albanese said he would not hold a referendum during his first three-year term.
This means that his government would have to be elected for a second term for the issue of a referendum to even be considered.
The last time Australia held a referendum on republicanism was in 1999. Supporters of maintaining the monarchy won with 54.9% of the vote.
