King Charles III and Queen Camilla of Britain were warmly received by children outside a church in Sydney during their first public appearance on their Australian tour. The royal couple’s visit marked a significant moment as it was the first time a reigning British monarch had visited Australia since Queen Elizabeth II’s 16th visit in 2011.
Upon Charles’ arrival in Australia, it was evident that the visit had a somber undertone as the 75-year-old king is currently battling cancer, resulting in a more limited schedule for the royal pair. After a day of rest at Admiralty House in Sydney, which serves as the official residence of the Governor-General of Australia, Sam Mostyn, the royal couple attended a service at St. Thomas’ Anglican Church in North Sydney.
As King Charles III and Queen Camilla made their way to the church, they were greeted by Sunday school children waving Australian flags and cheering excitedly. Inside the church, the atmosphere was filled with anticipation as onlookers eagerly captured the moment on their phones. Following the service, the royal couple emerged to a crowd of hundreds of well-wishers hoping to catch a glimpse and capture a photograph of the distinguished visitors.
Despite the warm reception, a group of protesters voiced their dissent nearby under a banner that read, “Empire Built on Genocide.” The royal itinerary includes a reception in Canberra on Monday, with notable absences from all government leaders of Australia’s six states. The absence of these leaders, who advocate for an Australian head of state instead of a British monarch, has been perceived as a deliberate snub by monarchists.
This visit to Australia holds significance for King Charles III as it marks his 17th trip to the country and the first since ascending the throne in 2022. The royal tour will continue with a visit to Samoa, where the king will preside over the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting. The royal couple’s presence in Australia has drawn attention and stirred up discussions surrounding the role of the monarchy in modern-day Australia.