Monarch embraces member of 'Stolen Generation' in moving moment
King Charles became emotional during his visit to the National Centre for Indigenous Excellence in Sydney when he embraced Uncle James Michael 'Widdy' Welsh, a survivor of Australia's 'Stolen Generation.' The touching moment, which has since gone viral, captured the 75-year-old monarch warmly hugging Widdy, who was taken from his family as a child and placed in a boys' home.
Welcoming the King with open arms, Widdy later described the embrace as a "genuinely good cuddle," expressing that there is "too much anger around." The emotional gesture came as Widdy shared his story with the King, explaining that he was removed from his family in Coonamble, NSW, when he was just eight years old and given the number 36 at Kinchela Boys Home.
Recalling the moment, Widdy said, "I told him I was part of the 'Stolen Generation' and he extended his hand for a handshake. But I told him, 'I'm more of a hugger,' and he replied, 'hugs are good,' so we hugged." Widdy added that the hug was a powerful way of connecting, making him feel comfortable and understood by the monarch.
The touching exchange highlights King Charles’s emotional connection with Australians during his historic tour, where he continues to engage with the nation's diverse communities and address its complex history.
