King Charles III: Northern Territory proclaims new ruler in parliament house ceremony

The Territory has joined the rest of the Commonwealth in proclaiming Charles III as King. See how the NT recognised him.

A few thousand kilometres from the British throne, the Territory has officially recognised Charles III as King of Australia.

On Sunday, days after Queen Elizabeth II’s death, the NT officially proclaimed the ascendancy of her son Prince Charles Philip Arthur George as the new King of Australia and his other realms and territories.

Administrator of the Northern Territory Vicki O’Halloran started her address with an acknowledgement of Country and of Larrakia Elders, before describing the mourning for “our most gracious sovereign”.

Sitting in the NT parliamentary Speaker’s chair, Mrs O’Halloran described the Queen’s 70-year rule as one characterised by “loyalty, her stability and her humanity during decades of social, cultural, political, and economic upheaval”.

The Administrator of the Northern Territory Vicki O’Halloran proclaims the ascension of King Charles III in NT parliament. Picture: Glenn Campbell

Mrs O’Halloran said the Queen had a fondness for the Territory, having visited five times in her seven decade long rule.

“Her memories of our unique culture art and heritage, and the warmth of Territorians reflected both her enduring interest in the diversity of the Commonwealth,” she said.

Mrs O’Halloran recognised the Queen’s son as the new King of Australia and the territories.

“With hearty and humble affection, we promise him faith and obedience,” she said.

Chief Minister Natasha Fyles at the proclamation of the ascension of King Charles III. Picture: Glenn Campbell

Chief Minister Natasha Fyles also extended her condolences to the royal family, and recognised “her extraordinary life and we welcome King Charles III”.

Opposition leader Lia Finocchiaro said the new King was a “friend to the Territory, as was our Queen”.

Territorians continue to mourn the death of Queen Elizabeth II, with more bouquets of flowers lined up along the fence of Government House.

Above the flowers included illustrations of Her Majesty holding hands with Paddington the Bear, and of the monarch with late husband Prince Philip and a corgi.

In the 1999 Republic referendum, 48.77 per cent of Territorians voted to get rid of the monarchy, the third highest yes vote behind only the Australian Capital Territory and Victoria.

In King Charles’ last trip to the Northern Territory in 2018, Mulka MLA Yingiya Guyula presented His Royal Highness with a “letter stick” pleading for Buckingham Palace to help see a treaty installed.

“We have many difficulties with the Australian governments because they do not recognise our sovereignty,” the message read.