King Charles III and Queen Camilla have begun their official visit to Australia on a good note, despite their fatigue after the long journey from the United Kingdom. Upon his arrival in Sydney, the British monarch, 75, joked with his followers about jetlag.
While signing a Bible for an admirer, he commented with amusement: “What day is it?” The crowd, delighted with the arrival of the royal couple, gave them a warm welcome, exchanging affectionate words with the king, who did not hesitate to return the gesture with sympathy and closeness.
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The arrival of the kings, who landed on a Royal Australian Air Force flight, was marked by a strong storm. While Charles III decided to dispense with the umbrella and keep it closed in one hand, Queen Camilla opened it, carefully descending the steps of the plane protected from the rain.
This visit is the royal couple’s first to Australia since Charles III assumed the throne following the death of his mother, Queen Elizabeth II, in September 2022. The late queen last visited Australia in 2011, while Carlos and Camila had been in the country in 2018.
Carlos III and Camilla on their visit to Australia
GTRES
The Sydney Opera House, one of Australia’s most iconic buildings, was illuminated in honor of the monarchs’ arrival. Upon arrival, they were greeted by Australian Governor-General Sam Mostyn and Prime Minister Anthony Albanese.
The trip, although brief in its first hours due to the rest planned for the monarch after the long flight, resumes its official agenda next Monday, with events scheduled throughout the week.
A trip with controversy
The Australian Republican Movement has taken the opportunity to launch a satirical campaign entitled “Monarchy, the farewell tour”, which reignites the debate about the future of the monarchy in the country.
Although Australia remains a monarchical nation under the leadership of Charles III, despite the more than 15,000 kilometers that separate it from the United Kingdom, this trip has reopened discussions about possible republican independence.
Australia already held a referendum in 1999 to decide whether to become a republic, but the proposal was rejected. Despite this, Prime Minister Albanese has expressed his intention to propose another referendum on the issue if he is re-elected in 2025.
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