A leading diplomat has cautioned that it is "unavoidable" for Australia to eventually eliminate the monarchy and King Charles as the head of state. In addition to the United Kingdom, Charles serves as head of state for 14 Commonwealth realms, including Australia, Canada, Grenada, Jamaica, New Zealand, and Papua New Guinea.
Discussions continue in these 14 realms after Barbados transitioned to a republic in November 2021, replacing the monarch with a president. With the Coronation fast approaching, Australia's new high commissioner, Stephen Smith, has acknowledged Australians' respect for the monarchy.
However, Smith, a republican, believes that despite the "affection" for the institution, the monarchy will ultimately be abolished in Australia. Recently relocating to London for his new role, Smith told the Times: "My personal view is it's inevitable. But how that's progressed is entirely a matter for the Australian government of the day."
He continued, "There is a lot of affection and respect for the monarchy in Australia. That affection and respect hasn't gone away because of Australia contemplating from time to time what it should do about its constitutional arrangements."
Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese is expected to attend the Coronation on May 6. Following the Queen's death in September 2022, Albanese, whose Labor government is predominantly composed of republicans, stated that it was not the appropriate time to discuss Australia becoming a republic. However, he did not rule out a future referendum on the matter.
In a 1999 referendum, Australian voters opted to retain the British monarch as head of state. In February, the Australian central bank announced that King Charles would not appear on the new $5 note. Instead, the bank plans to replace the late Queen's portrait on the $5 note with Aboriginal artwork.
Preparations for the Coronation are well underway, with Camilla set to be crowned Queen Consort alongside her husband at Westminster Abbey. The entire Royal Family is expected to attend, along with charity leaders, foreign heads of state, representatives of various faiths, and members of the public.
