Queen Victoria Statue Defaced in Sydney

A statue of Queen Victoria in Sydney was vandalized with red paint just hours before King Charles and Queen Camilla's public appearance at the Sydney Opera House, prompting a police investigation. This act of vandalism is believed to be a protest against the royal visit, which follows a verbal confrontation by Indigenous Senator Lidia Thorpe in Canberra, where she accused the monarchy of committing genocide against Aboriginal peoples. Thorpe's outburst has drawn condemnation from various political figures, including Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, who labeled it disrespectful. The incident raises questions about public sentiment towards the monarchy and the significance of colonial monuments in Australia. Police have cordoned off the area and are reviewing CCTV footage to identify the vandals. The royals are scheduled to continue their visit, which includes engagements focused on Indigenous communities.