King Charles III and Queen Camilla Begin Australian Visit
King Charles III Australian visit began with the monarch and Queen Camilla being greeted by children outside St. Thomas’ Anglican Church in North Sydney on Sunday. The visit marks the first time a reigning British monarch has visited Australia since Queen Elizabeth II’s 16th visit in 2011.
King Charles, 75, is currently undergoing cancer treatment, which has resulted in a scaled-down itinerary. Despite this, the couple enjoyed a rest day on Saturday at Admiralty House, the official Sydney residence of the monarch’s representative in Australia, Governor-General Sam Mostyn.
During Sunday’s service, local congregation members were treated to a special visit as Charles and Camilla made their way through the church to enthusiastic cheers. Outside, hundreds of people lined up, waving Australian flags and hoping for a glimpse of the royal couple. The King and Queen greeted many with handshakes and smiles, creating an electric atmosphere.
Protesters also gathered near the church, holding banners that read, “Empire Built on Genocide,” making their sentiments known during the couple’s visit. The protest was peaceful, with no major incidents reported.
Later that day, Charles and Camilla attended a commemorative event at the New South Wales state Parliament, marking the 200th anniversary of Australia’s first legislature. King Charles gifted Parliament an hourglass, a symbol traditionally used to limit lawmakers’ speeches. Reflecting on his relationship with Australia, Charles remarked, “With the sands of time encouraging brevity, it just remains for me to say what a great joy it is to come to Australia for the first time as sovereign and to renew a love of this country and its people which I have cherished for so long.”
The visit is Charles’ 17th to Australia and his first since ascending to the throne in 2022. The couple will continue their tour with a reception in Canberra on Monday, although all six state government leaders declined invitations to attend, a move seen by monarchists as a political snub. This reflects ongoing republican sentiment in the country, with many preferring an Australian head of state.
Later in the week, King Charles is set to travel to Samoa to open the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting.
For more details on the monarchy’s role in Australia, visit the Royal Family website.
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