PM Anthony Albanese will swear allegiance to King Charles III

Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese met with King Charles III in London this past week in anticipation of the monarch’s official coronation.

The PM said that he could not disclose the exact details of what was discussed during the meeting, but he appeared to come away with a very positive impression of the king.

In an interview with the ABC, Albanese told reporters that he believed Charles III had a keen interest in contemporary Australian issues.

“He of course has a long record of interest in issues such as climate change, on issues relating to Australia’s Indigenous people, on issues across the full range, particularly of the environment, and that remains the case,” said Mr Albanese.

“He’s interested in getting that social mix, getting environmentally sustainable design and in the nature of our cities. And I think he will continue to have that engagement as the King,” he said.

The more surprising—and perhaps controversial—detail that emerged was the Prime Minister’s confirmation that he would pledge an optional oath of allegiance to Charles III at the coronation.

At the coronation, the Archbishop of Canterbury will ask “all who desire” to speak the oath.

“All who desire, in the Abbey, and elsewhere, say together: I swear that I will pay true allegiance to Your Majesty, and to your heirs and successors according to law. So help me God.”

Mr Albanese has been met with criticism from some members of the public, largely in part due to his claims that he is a “life-long Republican”.

However, the Prime Minister defended his position, and did not feel that his view was a contradiction.

“I want to see an Australian as Australia’s head of state. That doesn’t mean that you can not have respect for the institution, which is the system of government that we have,” he said.

“I believe as Australian prime minister, I have a particular responsibility to represent the nation in a way that respects the constitutional arrangements which are there, and I certainly will undertake that.”

The Australian PM also extended a warm invitation to members of the royal family, encouraging them to visit Australia when time allows.

Of the coronation, he said:

“It will be a historic moment, and I regard it as a great privilege […] to be present at Westminster Abbey when it occurs.”