King Charles Led Commemorative Event for Uluru Handback
In a milestone moment for Indigenous land rights, King Charles attended a commemorative event in London to mark the 40th anniversary of the Uluru handback—when title deeds for Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park were returned to Anangu, the island’s traditional owners. The gathering, held at Australia House, brought together nine Anangu delegation members, who exchanged the red sands of the outback for marble floors in the heart of the UK capital. The king’s presence underscored a modern lineage of respect between the Crown and Australia’s Indigenous communities.
The Handback: A Turning Point in Australian Land Rights
The handback traces its roots to reforms that began in 1976 with the Aboriginal Land Rights (Northern Territory) Act, creating a legal pathway for Indigenous claimants. Nine years later, the Hawke government formalised the return of title deeds for Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park. The 1985 handback was widely celebrated in Australia as a sacred recognition of Anangu ownership and sovereignty over one of the nation’s most iconic landscapes.
Emotional Reflections and Community Impact
As the delegation gathered at Australia House, emotions were palpable. Sammy Wilson, speaking through an interpreter alongside fellow traditional owner Harry Wilson, described the moment as a mix of tears, sadness, and happiness. Their words echoed across the ceremony, illustrating the profound significance of the handback for Anangu people and for the broader Australian public who have watched the park evolve with an emphasis on cultural preservation and joint stewardship.
Leadership, Ceremony, and the Road Ahead
Australia’s High Commissioner to the UK, Stephen Smith, framed the king’s attendance as a powerful symbol of respect for Anangu and for Indigenous rights. While royal engagements typically highlight longer timelines, this event underscored a living connection between the monarchy and Australia’s ongoing journey toward truth and reconciliation. The official remarked that the king’s participation signals a long-standing commitment to commemorations that matter to Indigenous communities and the nation as a whole.
Shared Histories: Past Debates, Present Realities
Past tensions shadowed the handback, including opposition from Northern Territory leaders who argued against the return and a suggestion by a former federal opposition leader that Uluru might need to be bought back at some point. Those voices have faded in the 40-year arc of governance and recognition. Today, leaders emphasize the enduring sunset-to-dawn work of combining Anangu law (Tjukurpa) with Western governance to care for country and keep cultural knowledge alive for future generations.
Looking to the Future: Education, Youth, and Knowledge Exchange
Tapaya Edwards, chair of Uluru-Kata Tjuṯa National Park’s board of management, highlighted a forward-looking vision: a national park where Anangu law and culture remain strong and where knowledge transfer between generations—Aṉangu traditional knowledge and Western scientific methods—continues to flourish. The 40th anniversary is framed not as a conclusion but as a launchpad for ongoing education, youth leadership, and country care.
A Royal Return and a National Conversation
Rumors persist of a future royal visit to Uluru, with past monarchs and royal family members visiting Uluru in 1983 and 2014. While discussions about a formal royal tour remain a matter for the palace and government, the London commemoration keeps the door open for renewed dialogue and shared experiences on country. The Anangu delegation will soon return home for anniversary celebrations, which will be joined by the Prime Minister and other dignitaries for events on country.
