Duke of Sussex Engages in Aboriginal Smoking Ceremony at Canberra Memorial
The Duke of Sussex, Prince Harry, took part in a significant Aboriginal smoking ceremony at the Australian War Memorial in Canberra, demonstrating respect for Indigenous traditions and commemorating the service of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
Ceremonial Participation and Wreath-Laying
Harry actively participated in the smoking ceremony at the memorial's For Our Country site, which specifically recognises and honours the military contributions and experiences of Indigenous Australians. The duke wafted smoke from a fire pit containing burning leaves, a traditional cleansing and welcoming ritual, as members of the public observed and police maintained security around the area.
Prior to the ceremony, he laid a wreath at the memorial, paying tribute to Indigenous servicemen and women. The event began with a formal welcome from Indigenous veterans on Wednesday afternoon, followed by a Welcome to Country address delivered by Michael Bell, the memorial's Indigenous liaison officer and a Ngunnawal/Gomeroi man.
Historical Context and Gallery Visit
Dressed in a suit adorned with his military medals, Prince Harry was given a tour of a gallery dedicated to Captain Reg Saunders, who made history in 1945 as the first Indigenous Australian to be commissioned as an officer into the Australian Army. This visit underscored the memorial's role in preserving and showcasing Australia's diverse military heritage.
The duke travelled solo from Melbourne to Canberra, occupying the front row of a commercial Qantas flight. Cabin crew expressed delight at his presence, while stunned passengers waved and greeted him with "Hi Harry" upon his arrival at Canberra Airport on a beautifully sunny day.
Memorial's Expanded Scope to Include Frontier Wars
In a landmark development, the Australian War Memorial has reinterpreted its legal constraints to include the Australian Frontier Wars for the first time. These conflicts, which occurred between Indigenous Australians and predominantly British settlers, will be featured in a new gallery scheduled to open in 2028.
The Frontier Wars began several months after the First Fleet's arrival in January 1788 and continued into the early 20th century, following the federation of Australian colonies in 1901. Previously, the memorial excluded these events, arguing they fell outside its charter as they did not involve formal Australian military forces.
Criticism and Policy Shift
This stance faced considerable criticism from historians, who contended that the Frontier Wars should be commemorated due to the involvement of large numbers of Indigenous Australians and paramilitary or government-backed colonial forces. In response, Brendan Nelson, the memorial's outgoing chairman, announced in September 2022 that the institution would work towards "a much broader, much deeper depiction and presentation of the violence committed against Indigenous people."
About the Australian War Memorial
Established in 1941, the Australian War Memorial serves as the nation's principal tribute to those who have served and died in war and on operational service. It functions as a shrine, museum, and archive, dedicated to remembrance and the preservation of Australia's military history.
The memorial's galleries highlight the world wars, with over 1.4 million Australians serving in the armed forces during the First and Second World Wars. Tragically, more than 60,000 Australians lost their lives in the First World War, including thousands during the Gallipoli campaign aimed at seizing control of the Dardanelles from the Ottoman Empire.
In the Second World War, approximately one million Australians served, representing a massive mobilisation from a relatively small population. All personnel of the Australian Defence Force swear an oath or affirmation of allegiance to the King in his capacity as the Australian monarch, pledging to serve Australia and, in the oath, to "resist His enemies."
