King Charles has suffered an embarrassing blow after a footballer rejected an invitation to meet the monarch during his upcoming visit to Australia.
Craig Foster, who earned 29 caps for the Socceroos and is now a human rights campaigner, declined an invitation to attend a community BBQ in the presence of King Charles III and Queen Camilla.
The ex-footballer took to social media to explain his decision, stating he would not attend such an event until Australia had its own elected head of state.
Foster’s rejection comes as King Charles and Queen Camilla prepare for their “autumn tour” of Australia and Samoa, scheduled from October 18 to 26.
The snub highlights ongoing republican sentiment in Australia, with anti-monarchy group Republic planning demonstrations in Sydney and Canberra during the royal visit.
The invitation to meet King Charles came in the form of a letter from New South Wales premier Chris Minns and his wife Anna.
The correspondence, which Foster shared on social media, invited the former footballer to a community BBQ “in the presence of His Majesty King Charles III and Her Majesty Queen Camilla”.
Foster’s response was swift and unequivocal. He posted on social media: “Thanks Anna and @ChrisMinnsMP. But, no thanks. I look forward to being ‘in the presence of’ our first Aussie Head of State. When we put our big pants on, as a country.”
Craig Foster has refused an invitation to meet the monarch
Getty
The public rejection underscores the ongoing debate in Australia about the country’s constitutional monarchy and the push for an Australian head of state.
As a former professional footballer who earned 29 caps for the Socceroos, Foster has since become a human rights and refugee ambassador for Amnesty International.
His stance reflects a broader sentiment among some Australians who advocate for a shift away from the constitutional monarchy.
The upcoming royal tour, set to take place between October 18 and 26, will see King Charles and Queen Camilla visit Australia and Samoa.
The royal visit comes at a time when republican sentiment remains a significant force in Australian politics.
King Charles and Queen Camilla’s tour will likely reignite discussions about Australia’s relationship with the monarchy.
While some Australians continue to support the constitutional monarchy, others, like Foster, advocate for an Australian head of state.
