Karolyi is visiting Australia for the 17th time, but as a British and Australian monarch, he is visiting the continent for the first time. His official schedule has been significantly reduced due to the king's cancer diagnosis earlier this year, and he has been undergoing treatment since then.
According to MTI, the most important change in the travel program is that III. Contrary to the original plans, Karolyi will not visit New Zealand, but his programs in Australia have also been packaged in such a way that late-night events and long flights are not included.
Australia is a member of the Commonwealth of Nations, made up mostly of former British colonies. Fifteen of the current 56 member states – including the UK – have a third. Karolyi is the constitutionally recognized head of state. Among them are small countries such as Tuvalu and large countries such as Canada and Australia.
It is the second largest constitutional monarchy in the world
Australia is the second largest constitutional monarchy in the world after Canada, with the formal authority of the British Crown prevailing, although both countries are parliamentary democracies independent of Great Britain. However, it is known that the current Australian Prime Minister, Anthony Albanese, is a Republican and has repeatedly expressed his opinion that Australia should be transformed into a republic, with an Australian president elected by the local parliament.
In this case, prior to the royal couple's visit, there was also an exchange of letters with Australia's largest anti-monarchy organisation, the Australian Republican Movement And Buckingham Palace – the King's main residence and office in London. Representatives of the movement requested this during his third visit to Australia. Karolyi receives their representatives. Although they did not promise to do so, the Crown Prosecutor stated in his reply letter:
According to the King's position, the Australian people are called upon to decide whether or not Australia should become a republic.
In Australia, a referendum was already held in 1999 on a proposal to amend the constitution, according to which the country would become a republic, but 54.87 percent of voters – with a turnout of 95.1 percent – voted against the proposal. .
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese's political agenda includes another referendum on the same issue, but the third Australian government. Before Karolyi's visit, he indicated that calling for a referendum is not currently on the agenda.
