Watching the governor-general’s swearing in, I found myself deeply unsettled as an advocate for an Australian head of state — and also, more than a little bit proud. 

What did we see on Monday? After a smoking ceremony by Ngunnawal-Wiradjuri Elder Aunty Serena Williams, then a brief military salute from the Australian Federation Guard, “the commission from His Majesty the King appointing Ms Samantha Joy Mostyn AC to be the Governor-General of the Commonwealth of Australia” was read aloud – appointed, that is, with the words of Charles III: “by the grace of God” and “during our pleasure … according to such instructions as our governor-general for the time being may have received, or may in future receive from us, and according to such laws as are from time to time enforced.” 

This is the premise of Australian democracy. What happened next, however, was quite moving…

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