As the city of Sydney prepares to roll out the red carpet for King Charles and Queen Camilla's arrival, a lavish welcome gesture has ignited a fiery debate among Australians.

The royal couple, set to embark on a nine-day tour down under, will be greeted with a grand spectacle that has left some citizens questioning the use of public funds.

In a display of pomp and pageantry, the iconic sails of the Sydney Opera House will be illuminated with a curated photo montage for four minutes from 8 pm, showcasing images from previous royal visits.

This grand gesture, intended to celebrate King Charles's first visit to New South Wales as Sovereign, costs $97,030.

A celebratory welcome is to be received by King Charles and Queen Camilla, with the Sydney Opera House sails illuminated by images of previous royal visits. Credit: Shutterstock

Premier Chris Minns has expressed that the light show is a 'fitting tribute' to welcome Their Majesties and to commemorate this historic moment.

The public is invited to witness the projection and even catch a glimpse of the King and Queen as they engage with the crowd on the Sydney Opera House Forecourt.

The royal visit will also feature a Fleet Review on Sydney Harbour, complete with an Australian Defence Force flypast and an on-water review of His Majesty’s Australian ships.

These events offer additional opportunities for the public to partake in the celebrations from various vantage points around the city.

However, the decision to spend nearly $100,000 on the light show has sparked outrage among many Australians, who have taken to social media to voice their concerns.

Critics argue that the funds could have been better allocated to address pressing issues such as the housing crisis, overcrowded hospitals, and the rising cost of living.

One Facebook user lamented the waste of taxpayer money on a visit by millionaires, while another questioned the excitement of 'battling Aussies' over such an extravagant expenditure.

Many echoed the sentiment of channelling funds to the needy, highlighting the disconnect between royal fanfare and the everyday struggles of the Australian people.

On the flip side, royal enthusiasts have expressed their excitement and support for the visit, with some planning to bring their families to the festivities.

Monarchists, in particular, look forward to warmly welcoming the King and Queen, showcasing the divide in public opinion.

As we delve into this contentious issue, it's essential to consider the broader implications of such expenditures.

While royal visits can boost tourism and international relations, they also raise questions about government spending priorities, especially in economic hardship for many citizens.

Key Takeaways

• King Charles and Queen Camilla are set to receive a celebratory welcome with the Sydney Opera House sails to be illuminated with images of previous royal visits.
• The NSW Government curated the photo montage to commemorate the King's first visit as Sovereign for $97,030.
• Public members have expressed mixed reactions to the cost, with some criticising the expense during economic hardship.
• Despite the controversy, some Australians are enthusiastic about the royal visit, planning to welcome the King and Queen in person.

Do you think the $97K light show is an excellent tribute to the royal visit, or is it a waste of money? How else could that money benefit Australians? Let us know in the comments below.

 

[KoftaKurry]

This is not a gift to the King. It's really a spectacle for the people of Sydney - so, basically, they are the ones who receive the gift.

At last… some common sense!

 

[Veggiepatch]

It is always the same when we have Labor governments = they spend, spend, spend. They would find something else to waste money on if not this

Of course Potatohead Dutton would have his tongue firmly jammed between Charlie's and Camilla the Gorilla's arse cheeks!

He is the one to do it simultaneously. He's got a forked tongue like a snake!

 

[Veggiepatch]

thank you and i am right with you on these unintelligent remarks from such nasty people. it must make them feel good to be rude to a higher up position. one they will never traverse.

I am rude and nasty.

Do you want to argue the fact?

 

[Ebby]

They weren't divorced ! They divorced many years later . Her poor husband Andrew Bowles couldn't stand it any longer

 

[Joydie]

do not worry about her. if you do not agree your on the black list. i will be too.

Well, I know I'll be in good company on the black list. I mean how silly can you be? You only need look at my likes and the people who've responded to me to see that she's been so overcome by negative emotions that she's lost perspective.

And if you are a senior, surely you're past looking at the world through a negative lens.

 

[Joydie]

They weren't divorced ! They divorced many years later . Her poor husband Andrew Bowles couldn't stand it any longer

Are you kidding? You're entering the realms of fantasy now! They'd lived apart for years! They divorced in 1995 and a year later, 'Her poor husband' married his girlfriend Rosemary Pitman.

For heaven's sake do some research before you look any more silly.

 

[Ebby]

Oh Suzanne you need to get off your high horse before you fall off.What makes you so bitter? Live and let live.

 

[Jest]

At last… some common sense!

ditto

 

[Jest]

her poor husband. really you need a happy pill or maybe a calm me down one. you would think you had been inside the quaters of all these people with your knowlege, which no one believes.

 

[Jest]

Well, I know I'll be in good company on the black list. I mean how silly can you be? You only need look at my likes and the people who've responded to me to see that she's been so overcome by negative emotions that she's lost perspective.

And if you are a senior, surely you're past looking at the world through a negative lens.

my past is not all that it should be. not for me to be so righteous but i stand by our king and queen. some must have a very boring life. my happy flower.

 

[DLHM]

How beautiful does Camilla look? Is there any colour that she doesn’t look stunning in? Charles radiant shining beacon. Camilla rocks.

Surely you’re being sarcastic!!

 

[Towing]

I agree, that money would be far better spent helping Australias homeless.

or health care, emergency services including voluntary - some vehicles used by voluntary services are about 25 years old

 

[Jest]

I am rude and nasty.

Do you want to argue the fact?

if the cap fits wear it. i did not call you nasty but if you fall into that category too bad.

 

[DLHM]

all that is needed is decent people in the palace instead of the current rubbish. This scandal ridden mob should be kicked out of there. 15 times they tried to get rid of Charlie by sending him to Australia because he was an embarrassment and we are still paying good money to entertain this filthy pair while we have homeless and hungry people of our own. Rubbish belongs on the tip, buried very deep.

I love your way with words @gamiry.

 

[DLHM]

Once in a lifetime... who's life? King Dickhead has been here 17 times since he was at school. It's a wonder he hasn't expected to be given a house here.

You crack me up @gamiry

 

[Veggiepatch]

if the cap fits wear it. i did not call you nasty but if you fall into that category too bad.

I am my own harshest critic and I will call a spade a spade.

And I dig it!!!

 

[Jest]

Of course Potatohead Dutton would have his tongue firmly jammed between Charlie's and Camilla the Gorilla's arse cheeks!

He is the one to do it simultaneously. He's got a forked tongue like a snake!

now if this is not nasty please tell me what isn't? In fact i will go as far as saying this is just DISGUSTING. you mentioned snake that is as low as you can be. revolting,

 

[Jest]

You crack me up @gamiry

funny how all the nasties agree. hahahaha

 

[DLHM]

Heaven help us then. What sort of father calls his son who was under 9 at the time "a king in training". George should have first learned how to be a little boy. William couldn't run a root in a raffle in a brothel on a free night.

There you go again. Love your humour. Would love to sit down and have a convo with you stating your views. I’m sure I’d be so sore from laughing so much.

 

[DLHM]

funny how all the nasties agree. hahahaha

You think I’m nasty? No, not at all. I just appreciate a good sense of humour.