Royal Family Faces Criticism for Dropping ‘Walkabout’ Term Ahead of Australia Tour

In a move aimed at respecting Aboriginal culture, King Charles III has decided to drop the term ‘walkabout’ from his upcoming royal visit to Australia. The decision, announced ahead of the tour scheduled from October 18 to 22, has sparked debate and criticism.

King Charles III and Queen Camilla face backlash for removing the term ‘walkabout’ from their upcoming Australia tour itinerary to respect Aboriginal culture. The visit will now focus on public engagements and honoring contributions to Australian society

The term ‘walkabout,’ introduced by Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip during their 1970 visit to Australia and New Zealand, traditionally described informal royal interactions with the public. However, in Aboriginal culture, ‘walkabout’ refers to a period of personal reflection or mourning involving solitary walks in the bush.

To avoid potential offense, the royal itinerary will replace ‘walkabout’ with ‘an opportunity to meet the public.’ King Charles and Queen Camilla, who will conclude their tour in Samoa on October 26, are scheduled to visit Sydney and Canberra. This will be their first trip to Australia since Charles ascended the throne following Queen Elizabeth II’s death.

The visit marks the first time a reigning monarch has visited Australia since Queen Elizabeth II’s last tour in 2011 and will be Charles’s 17th official visit. The royal couple will focus on recognizing Australians who have contributed to public life and honor soldiers and veterans at the Australian War Memorial in Canberra. They will also discuss bushfire response efforts and attend a community barbecue in western Sydney.

Due to health advice following his recent cancer diagnosis, Charles has canceled a planned visit to New Zealand. The tour will now wrap up with the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) in Samoa.