King Charles III has arrived in Australia for a historic visit, marking the first time a reigning king has toured the country.
Accompanied by Queen Camilla, the royal couple touched down at Sydney Airport around 8:30 pm on Friday, their first visit since 2018. The tour follows the legacy of his mother, Queen Elizabeth II, who was the first reigning monarch to visit Australia in 1954.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese welcomed Their Majesties, expressing Australia’s admiration:
“A warm welcome back to Australia. Their Majesties have a deep regard for Australia, and this visit will be an opportunity to showcase the very best of our modern and dynamic nation.”
The couple is set to attend various events in Sydney and Canberra over the next few days, before travelling to Samoa for the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM).
Among those greeting the King and Queen upon arrival were Governor-General Sam Mostyn, NSW Premier Chris Minns, and Prime Minister Albanese. Despite the heavy rain that briefly disrupted the welcome, excitement remained high for this milestone occasion.
In a poignant moment, Queen Camilla was presented with a bouquet by 12-year-old Ky, a Make-a-Wish Foundation recipient who lives with a serious blood disorder. Ky, accompanied by his sister Charlotte, had requested to meet the royal couple. Following their airport welcome, the couple proceeded to Admiralty House for a private reception hosted by Albanese and his partner, Jodie Haydon.
Ahead of their arrival, the Sydney Opera House lit up its iconic sails with a photo montage of the monarchs’ previous visits, although the display was briefly delayed by a passing cruise ship. The King and Queen will take a day of rest on Saturday before commencing their packed five-day itinerary.
On Sunday, the couple will attend a church service, marking their first public appearance. The King, who has visited Australia 16 times, will later participate in engagements that reflect his deep commitment to environmental conservation. He will tour the National Botanic Gardens and meet with scientists from the CSIRO to discuss research on bushfire resilience.
Meanwhile, Queen Camilla is set to meet advocates for family and domestic violence and representatives from GIVIT, a charity that supports various causes across Australia. In Sydney, the King will inspect a fleet review of the Royal Australian Navy in Sydney Harbour, with the royal couple attending a community barbecue in Parramatta later in the week.
The King’s visit comes after a cancer diagnosis earlier this year, making this his first major overseas trip since his treatment began. Despite the challenges, the King has shown resilience, even pausing his treatment for the duration of the tour. His determination to continue his royal duties has been widely praised.
Albanese is set to host a reception for Their Majesties in Canberra, which will be followed by a wreath-laying ceremony at the Australian War Memorial. Australians will also have a chance to meet the royal couple at the Parliament House forecourt on Monday and again at the Sydney Opera House on Tuesday.
Their whirlwind visit will culminate with the King and Queen’s departure for Samoa on Wednesday, where they will attend the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting. This marks the first visit to Australia by a reigning monarch since Queen Elizabeth II’s tour in 2011.
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