New South Wales Rural Fire Service commissioner Shane Fitzsimmons is expected to attend the dinner at Buckingham Palace hosted by the monarch-in-waiting’s Prince’s Trust charity after being sent a ‘rejection’ letter.
The letter signed by Prince Charles Trust’s Australia chairman, John Landerer, read: ‘It is with deep regret that we need to inform you that the Prince’s Trust UK has advised international guests, including staff and patrons, should not travel to London, or attend any of the events.
‘No staff or Trustees from the Prince’s Trust Australia will be travelling to the UK. This, of course, is very disappointing but, due to the national outbreak of the COVID – 19, completely understandable. The main fear is that visitors may not be able to leave London. This would be most unfortunate. We feel, however, you will agree it is for the better.’
However it turned out to be a miscommunication sent out by the trust to some Australian guests, including Fitzsimmons. Even though Mr. Fitzsimmons will still attend the dinner, he expressed his disappointment and somewhat understanding for the reason for the letter. He will fly into London today to represent firefighting volunteers, who helped fight the unprecedented blazes that killed 33 people and at least a billion animals nationwide – as well as destroying 2,000 home.
