Here's where to catch a glimpse of King Charles and Queen Consort Camilla on their inaugural visit!
By
Seia Ibanez
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As excitement builds across Australia, royal enthusiasts and the curious alike are preparing for a historic moment—the first visit of King Charles and Queen Camilla to the country since he ascended the throne.
The royal couple's arrival on Friday marks a significant occasion, not only for the monarchy but also for the many Australians who hold the royal family in high regard.
King Charles, who has visited Australia 16 times before, will be making his 17th trip to the nation, this time as its reigning monarch.
His last visit was in 2018 when he was still the Prince of Wales, and he opened the Commonwealth Games on the Gold Coast.
This visit, however, is set to be a whirlwind tour, with the King and Queen packing dozens of engagements into just four days, focusing on Canberra and Sydney.
Reports have surfaced that he will be accompanied by two doctors following a cancer diagnosis in February.
Despite pausing treatment for the eight-day trip, which also includes Samoa, the King is taking the necessary precautions, including travelling with a supply of his own blood.
The royal itinerary is filled with poignant and significant engagements. On Monday morning, 21 October, the couple will pay their respects at the Australian War Memorial in Canberra, laying a wreath and visiting the For Our Country memorial, which honours the military service of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders.
Following this, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese will host a reception at Parliament House, where King Charles and Queen Camilla will rub shoulders with a cross-section of Australian society.
They will be joined by ‘political and community leaders, and prominent Australians who have demonstrated outstanding achievement in a variety of fields, including health, arts, culture and sports’.
Sustainability, a cause close to the King's heart, will be a key theme throughout the visit.
The royal couple will engage with firefighters and bushfire researchers at CSIRO, and Camilla will meet with the founder of GIVIT, a charity donations platform of which she is the patron.
They will also participate in discussions on domestic and family violence.
The royals will also delve into the rich tapestry of Australia's natural heritage with a tour of the National Botanical Gardens, learning about Indigenous plant use and the impact of climate change on biodiversity.
In Sydney, King Charles will engage with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander representatives, learning about their efforts to support local communities and preserve culture.
Queen Camilla's schedule includes visiting a library to meet with children involved in the Queen’s Commonwealth Essay Competition workshop.
The couple will also enjoy the hospitality of a community barbecue in western Sydney, which they will be ’sampling a range of produce from across New South Wales, experiencing the cultural diversity of Australian communities and meeting local residents’.
The visit will also highlight Australian excellence in medical research. King Charles will meet with Professors Georgina Long and Richard Scolyer, who are renowned for their work in melanoma research.
Before they depart, the royal couple will make a grand appearance at the Sydney Opera House and conduct a fleet review of the Royal Australian Navy in Sydney Harbour, a spectacle not to be missed.
For those eager to catch a glimpse of royalty, the Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet has provided several opportunities:
Members, what are your thoughts on the upcoming royal visit? Are there any particular events you're excited about, or do you have any royal encounters to share? Let us know in the comments below!
The royal couple's arrival on Friday marks a significant occasion, not only for the monarchy but also for the many Australians who hold the royal family in high regard.
King Charles, who has visited Australia 16 times before, will be making his 17th trip to the nation, this time as its reigning monarch.
His last visit was in 2018 when he was still the Prince of Wales, and he opened the Commonwealth Games on the Gold Coast.
This visit, however, is set to be a whirlwind tour, with the King and Queen packing dozens of engagements into just four days, focusing on Canberra and Sydney.
Reports have surfaced that he will be accompanied by two doctors following a cancer diagnosis in February.
Despite pausing treatment for the eight-day trip, which also includes Samoa, the King is taking the necessary precautions, including travelling with a supply of his own blood.
The royal itinerary is filled with poignant and significant engagements. On Monday morning, 21 October, the couple will pay their respects at the Australian War Memorial in Canberra, laying a wreath and visiting the For Our Country memorial, which honours the military service of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders.
Following this, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese will host a reception at Parliament House, where King Charles and Queen Camilla will rub shoulders with a cross-section of Australian society.
They will be joined by ‘political and community leaders, and prominent Australians who have demonstrated outstanding achievement in a variety of fields, including health, arts, culture and sports’.
Sustainability, a cause close to the King's heart, will be a key theme throughout the visit.
The royal couple will engage with firefighters and bushfire researchers at CSIRO, and Camilla will meet with the founder of GIVIT, a charity donations platform of which she is the patron.
They will also participate in discussions on domestic and family violence.
The royals will also delve into the rich tapestry of Australia's natural heritage with a tour of the National Botanical Gardens, learning about Indigenous plant use and the impact of climate change on biodiversity.
In Sydney, King Charles will engage with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander representatives, learning about their efforts to support local communities and preserve culture.
Queen Camilla's schedule includes visiting a library to meet with children involved in the Queen’s Commonwealth Essay Competition workshop.
The couple will also enjoy the hospitality of a community barbecue in western Sydney, which they will be ’sampling a range of produce from across New South Wales, experiencing the cultural diversity of Australian communities and meeting local residents’.
The visit will also highlight Australian excellence in medical research. King Charles will meet with Professors Georgina Long and Richard Scolyer, who are renowned for their work in melanoma research.
Before they depart, the royal couple will make a grand appearance at the Sydney Opera House and conduct a fleet review of the Royal Australian Navy in Sydney Harbour, a spectacle not to be missed.
For those eager to catch a glimpse of royalty, the Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet has provided several opportunities:
- Monday, 12.35 pm: Be in place by 12:10pm at the Australian War Memorial western grounds and sculpture garden in Canberra to see the King and Queen visit the For Our Country memorial.
- Monday, 1 pm: Position yourself in the forecourt of Canberra’s Parliament House by 12.10 pm to witness the royal arrival at 1 pm and their departure at 2:10 pm.
- Tuesday, 4:20 pm: The Sydney Opera House forecourt opens at 3 pm, in anticipation of the royal appearance.
- Tuesday, 4:50 pm: Secure a spot by 4 pm at Sydney’s Man O’War Steps before the King and Queen embark on a boat for the navy fleet review.
Key Takeaways
- King Charles and Queen Camilla are visiting Australia for the first time since he became the monarch.
- Their visit includes a packed schedule with a focus on sustainability, Indigenous community support, and meeting with Australians of the Year and cancer researchers.
- The public has multiple opportunities to see the royals at various locations in Canberra and Sydney.
- Security and health measures are in place, with King Charles reportedly travelling with a medical team and a supply of his own blood.