On Tuesday, at Admiralty House in Sydney, the King announced the launch of The King’s Foundation Australia, an extension of his original foundation established in the UK in 1990 when he was the Prince of Wales.
The foundation’s first project in Australia will draw inspiration from Dumfries House, the Scottish estate that Charles purchased through the foundation in 2007 to restore its 18th-century Palladian villa.
In Australia, The King’s Foundation will take stewardship of the Hillview Estate in New South Wales, a State Heritage-listed property that once served as the summer residence of the Governor of New South Wales.
The project aims to restore and conserve Hillview Estate, transforming it into a cultural hub while also developing educational and training programs focused on traditional and heritage crafts.
King Charles’ vision for the foundation, established nearly 35 years ago, centers on the philosophy of harmony: by understanding the balance and relationships between humans and the natural world, we can create a sustainable future.
Dominic Richards, Chair of The King’s Foundation Australia, expressed his enthusiasm, saying, “His Majesty’s vision of a world in harmony with nature is more relevant now than ever.
“As an Australian who personally benefited from The King’s Foundation’s education programmes 30 years ago, I am excited to see this work extend its transformative approach to communities in Australia.
“We hope to create a positive impact by providing employment and educational opportunities, following the model established by His Majesty at Dumfries House.”
The announcement followed a busy day of engagements in Canberra, where King Charles and Queen Camilla were welcomed with a traditional smoking ceremony in the Australian capital.
