The Queen’s outfit was beautifully complemented by a striking diamond and pearl brooch, previously worn by both Queen Elizabeth II and the Queen Mother.
This marks King Charles’ 16th official visit to Australia, a country of deep personal significance to him, as he spent six months attending school there as a teenager in 1966. However, this visit carries extra weight, as it is his first major foreign engagement since revealing his cancer diagnosis in February.
Upon their arrival, the royal couple visited the Australian War Memorial, laying a floral tribute at the Tomb of the Unknown Australian Soldier. It was a touching return to a site they had last visited in 2015, and large crowds gathered to witness the moment.
Among those present was Georgia Bray, who, despite identifying as a republican, participated in the festivities. “I’m a republican, but today I’m a monarchist,” she said with a smile. “I’m Australian, and Australians are polite. We’ll give our King and Queen a good welcome.”
Lynton Martin from Melbourne, dressed in a crown and Union Jack suit, was another royal enthusiast hoping for a second meeting with Charles after their encounter in Sydney the day before. “I was lucky to meet King Charles yesterday, so I hope to see him again today,” he said.
One of the more memorable moments occurred when Hephner, a nine-year-old alpaca dressed in a crown and bow tie, sneezed on the King during their introduction. Robert Fletcher, Hephner’s owner, brought the alpaca as a support animal and dressed him for the special occasion. “Hephner is a pro-monarchy alpaca,” Robert joked, adding that the sneeze caught the King by surprise but was met with laughter.
Thousands of fans, waving flags and banners, turned out to greet the royals. Among them was John Mordes, 21, who left work to catch a glimpse of the King and Queen. “I came down because they’re the King and Queen, and I don’t know if I’ll ever see them again,” he said.
Queen Camilla also shared a warm exchange with Wendy Davies from Melbourne, who said, “I welcomed her to Australia and shook her hand. She looked beautiful.”
The royal couple’s itinerary in Canberra included a visit to the For Our Country Memorial, where Indigenous ADF member Sub Lieutenant Jordan Bradshaw performed the didgeridoo. They also toured Parliament, meeting senior ministers and military officials.
As passionate advocates for environmental causes, Charles and Camilla visited the National Bushfire Behaviour Research Laboratory, where Charles witnessed a demonstration of the “pyrotron,” a wind tunnel that simulates the deadly effects of Australian bushfires.
