King Charles and Camilla are set to embark on a historic tour of Australia, continuing a long-standing tradition of royal visits to the continent. The royal family has had a deep connection with Australia since the late 19th century, with the country being the backdrop to numerous significant moments in royal history.
As King Charles gears up for his first official tour of Australia and Samoa as monarch, The Independent reflects on some of the most memorable royal tours Down Under in recent history. The 75-year-old King will kick off the eight-day tour with Queen Camilla in Sydney, where they will be greeted by a special light show at the iconic Sydney Opera House, showcasing images from past royal visits. The visit will also include a Fleet Review of the Royal Australian Navy in Sydney Harbour and a meeting with Prime Minister Anthony Albanese in Canberra. Due to the King’s ongoing battle with cancer, there will be no evening events planned on the tour, and he will be accompanied by two doctors as a precaution.
One of the earliest royal tours that left a lasting impression was Queen Elizabeth II’s visit to Australia in 1954. The then-27-year-old Queen embarked on a 58-day tour with Prince Philip, visiting 57 cities and towns across the continent. Her arrival at Sydney Harbour drew a massive crowd of one million onlookers, showcasing the immense popularity of the royal family in Australia.
Prince Charles also has a special connection with Australia, having spent six months studying there as a teenager in 1966. Describing it as the best educational experience of his life, this visit holds a significant place in the King’s memories as he prepares for his 17th trip to Australia.
In 1994, during a solo tour of Australia, King Charles faced a dramatic moment when shots were fired at him during a speech in Sydney. The incident, later revealed to be a protest against the country’s immigration policies, highlighted the challenges and risks associated with royal visits.
Queen Elizabeth’s final tour of Australia in 2011 was marked by a packed schedule of engagements, including opening the Royal Children’s hospital and attending the Commonwealth heads of government meeting. Despite ongoing discussions about Australia’s constitutional monarchy status, the Queen has retained a strong level of respect and affection among Australians, even among those who advocate for a republic.
Prince William and Kate Middleton also made headlines with their first tour as a married couple in 2014, bringing along their young son, Prince George. The tour included visits to areas affected by bushfires as well as memorable encounters with the local wildlife at Australia Zoo.
In 2018, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle embarked on a tour of Australia, marking one of their first major international trips as a couple. The tour coincided with the Invictus Games in Sydney, where Prince Harry officially opened the event and Meghan announced her pregnancy with their first child.
The upcoming tour by King Charles and Queen Camilla is sure to continue the legacy of royal visits to Australia, cementing the bond between the royal family and the people of Australia.