King Charles III's visit rekindles Australia's debate on ending ties to the British monarchy

King Charles and Queen Camilla's visit to Australia sparks debate over the nation's constitutional ties to Britain.

King Charles III and Queen Camilla will arrive in Sydney on Friday (October 18) for the first Australian visit by a reigning monarch in more than a decade, a trip that has rekindled debate about the nation's constitutional links to Britain.

The Sydney Opera House's iconic sails will be illuminated with images of previous royal visits to welcome the couple, whose six-day trip will be brief by royal standards. King Charles, 75, is being treated for cancer, which led to the scaled-down itinerary.

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He is only the second reigning British monarch to visit Australia. His mother, Queen Elizabeth II, became the first 70 years ago.

While the welcome will be warm, Australia's national and State leaders want the royals removed from their constitution.

Monarchists expect the visit will strengthen Australians' connection to their sovereign. Opponents hope for a rejection of the concept that someone from the other side of the world is Australia's head of state.

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