Governor-General Sam Mostyn was a one-time staunch republican
Monarchists want Sam Mostyn to keep the stiff upper lip zipped when she welcomes King Charles, saying she wasn’t shy with pro-republic views before becoming Governor-General. Republican premier Chris Minns says he’ll happily behave.
NSW
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Concerned monarchists have urged one-time republican supporter Governor-General Sam Mostyn to be on “best behaviour” and not “step out of line” when she meets King Charles III on his first tour of Australia as monarch.
The Australian Monarchist League say they maintain a “watching brief” on the 28th Governor-General, who has not held back from espousing her pro-republic views prior to being nominated for the vice-regal position.
The King will receive Ms Mostyn at her official residence at Admiralty House at Kirribilli Sunday for their second meeting, alongside NSW Governor-General Margaret Beazley AC KC, as part of his five day schedule of his first tour of the realm as monarch.
Ms Mostyn’s nomination in April raised eyebrows among conservative circles after she previously tweeted that Australia Day was “a bloody invasion” that had to be “bloody discussed.”
The Australian Monarchist League urged her to remain above reproach and politics on Sunday when she meets the King, and during her time in office, fearing she will use the time to advance the republican movement.
“We are keeping a watching brief on the Governor-General so that she does not put a foot out of place,” said Alexander Voltz, spokesman for the 62,000-strong pro-constitutional monarchy campaign group.
“On no occasion must the Governor-General ever promote changes to Australia’s constitution while in office and least of all while in the presence of the sovereign.
The Governor-General’s office said monarchists had nothing to fear: “The Governor-General has formed a warm relationship with His Majesty and looks forward to continuing to engage during the visit,” a spokesman said.
Premier Chris Minns has promised to be on his “best behaviour” when King Charles arrives in Sydney on Friday, saying that even though he is a Republican he won’t be bringing it up with the King.
“I’m a Republican but I’m going to treat him as an honoured guest in NSW, which he genuinely is,” the Premier said.
“I hope he’ll have a great time here and I’ll be on my best behaviour.”
But monarchists think it’s “entirely possible” Ms Mostyn “will attempt to advance the Republican movement while she is at Admiralty House — she is a Republican”.
“It will be inappropriate for her to make any expression of Republican overtones which are not in touch with the people’s current mood, Mr Voltz said.
“We urge her to remember the charter of her office, that she is a subordinate officer of the crown and must be above politics.
“Whatever happens, the King will take it in his stride,” he said.
Ms Mostyn publicly championed social causes, including the failed voice referendum, and was pictured in a T-shirt bearing the words, “women for the Voice” in 2023 before her appointment on the recommendation of Prime Minister Anthony Albanese was ticked off by the King.
Nine years ago, she heralded the Australian Republic Movement’s then chairman Peter FitzSimons drive for Australia to sever ties with the monarchy.
Her since-deleted tweet, posted on December 7, 2015, read: “Passionate advocacy for Australian republic @Peter-Fitz in Sydney today #ARM #AustralianRepublic #Australia
Mostyn’s tweets calling Australia Day “Invasion Day”, were deleted around the time of her nomination.
The Governor-General has defended her position as the King’s representative in Australia, with a spokesman saying she is fully cognisant of her duty to the Crown since taking an oath to the monarch.
“The Governor-General is very much looking forward to welcoming Their Majesties to Australia,” the spokesman said.
“Doing so is one of the great honours and privileges of her role.
“During the visit, she will showcase the very best of our modern and diverse nation and do so with pride, respect and appreciation for His Majesty as King of Australia.”
“Since taking office, the Governor-General has spoken regularly about the importance of care for our institutions, of civics and of the important role of The Crown and the role of the Governor-General in our system. Increasing that understanding and respect is a priority for her term,” he added.
Former governor-general, Quentin Bryce used the final words in her last Boyer lecture of the year to pledge support for an Australian republic, the first time a sitting governor-general expressed support for a republic.
She told the crowd in Brisbane in 2013 she hoped to one day see a young Australian boy or girl become the first Australian head of state.
Craig Foster, former chairman of the Australian Republican Movement triggered a social media storm after turning down an invitation to meet King Charles and Camilla at the NSW Premier’s Community BBQ on Tuesday
Declining the offer, he wrote on X “Thanks Anna and Chris Minns, 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.”
The King last toured Australia in 2018 to open the Commonwealth Games on the Gold Coast, but has not visited the country since 2011 when Queen Elizabeth II toured Canberra, Brisbane, Melbourne and Perth.
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