Republicans launch campaign to ‘wave goodbye’ to monarchy ahead of royal visit

Republicans are hatching a big tongue-in-cheek plan to protest the upcoming royal visit.

King Charles and Queen Camilla will touch down in Australia on October 18 in what will be Charles’ 17th visit to the country and the first since his coronation.

Millions tuned in to the watch the King’s coronation, while thousands more flocked to the UK to witness the pomp first hand.

But with many Australians questioning the relevance of the monarchy, the country’s republican movement says now is the “time for Australia to say ‘thanks, but we’ve got it from here’.”

In a statement released on Monday, Australian Republican Movement (ARM) co-chair Esther Anatolitis said in modern Australia “we elect our representatives on merit”.

“It’s time to wave goodbye to royal reign on what we’re calling Monarchy: The Farewell Oz Tour!” Ms Anatolitis said.

“Australians all over the continent tell us they’re keen to see a warm, positive conversation about the future of the monarchy in Australia, seeing this visit as the last tour of a king and queen of Australia.”

Ms Anatolitis said Australia was made up of “richly diverse people who take pride in our democratic institutions” and “expect a full-time, fully committed head of state whose only allegiance is to us – a unifying symbol at home and abroad”.

Australia last held a referendum on a republic in 1999.

More than 60 per cent of voters opted to keep Australia a constitutional monarchy.

But ARM co-chair Nathan Hansford said views had flipped the other way in the last 25 years.

“Our research shows 92 per cent of Australians are either supporters of a republic or are open to it,” he said, adding that just “8 per cent of the country are rusted-on” monarchists.

“Sixty per cent of Australians say they’d prefer an Australian head of state to King Charles III.

“Australians want a commander-in-chief, an advocate-in-chief, a promoter-in-chief, a champion-in-chief, a guardian-in-chief and a representative-in-chief.

“They want a republic which stays in the Commonwealth, retains economic and Defence alliances like AUKUS and makes minimal changes to our current system.

“Together, we can achieve all of that – and we encourage all Aussies to get involved in the conversation.”

Buckingham Palace responded to correspondence from ARM requesting a meeting during the upcoming visit in a leaked letter reported last week.

In the letter, written by an assistant private secretary, the King said the decision to become a republic laid with Australians.

“The King appreciated that you took the time to write and asked me to reply on his behalf,” the letter said.

“Please be assured your views on this matter have been noted very carefully.

“His Majesty, as a constitutional monarch, acts on the advice of his ministers, and whether Australia becomes a republic is, therefore, a matter for the Australian public to decide.”

The letter said the King would also attend events as advised by the Australian government.

“Their majesties have a deep love and affection for Australia and Australians, and your thoughtfulness in writing as you did is warmly appreciated,” the letter said.

The King and Queen will attend events in Sydney and Canberra.