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King Charles Marks 40 Years Since Uluru Handback at Australia House

The London gathering underscored respect for Anangu custodianship, highlighting the 1985 handback as a landmark in Australia’s land-rights story.

Overview

  • At Australia House in London, the King met nine Anangu Traditional Owners and watched a traditional performance in his first visit to the building as monarch.
  • Prime Minister Anthony Albanese sent a video message thanking the King for meeting the traditional owners and calling the handback a milestone in Aboriginal land rights.
  • Australia’s High Commissioner Stephen Smith said the Palace’s decision to mark a 40th anniversary signaled special respect, noting royal commemorations typically mark 50 or 100 years.
  • Anangu representatives spoke about keeping Tjukurpa strong for future generations and expressed hopes for a future royal visit to Uluru.
  • The 1976 land-rights law paved the way for the 1985 title return, which established a 99-year joint-management lease, with on-country anniversary celebrations set later in October that the prime minister plans to attend.