Prime minister returns to Australia on Sunday after joining in pledge to new monarch, a decision backed by colleagues
Anthony Albanese’s decision to pledge allegiance to King Charles at the monarch’s coronation has been described as “crucial” by his own government, despite the prime minister’s stance as a staunch republican.
The prime minister is returning to Australia from the United Kingdom on Sunday after joining other Commonwealth leaders at the coronation.
Albanese, a self-proclaimed life-long republican, has described the coronation as a “historic event of enormous significance”, saying it was entirely appropriate that he attend and pledge allegiance to the King.
Republicans had called on the prime minister to stay silent during the oath.
But Albanese’s frontbench colleague, treasurer Jim Chalmers, said it was the right call for the prime minister to join the pledge on behalf of Australians.
“This was an important day and it’s obviously crucial that the prime minister attend and pledge allegiance — I think that’s what people expect,” Chalmers told the ABC on Sunday.
