In a fitting finale to their whirlwind six-day tour of Australia, King Charles III and Queen Camilla embraced quintessential Aussie experiences on their last day Down Under. From flipping snags on the barbie to reuniting with an old friend over kangaroo pies, the royal couple immersed themselves in the country’s unique culture and traditions.
A Royal Barbie in the Park
The day began with a classic Australian barbecue hosted by New South Wales Premier Chris Minns at Parramatta Park in western Sydney. As the iconic Jimmy Barnes tune “Working Class Man” played in the background, the King and Queen greeted hundreds of guests in the sweltering heat. While they didn’t partake in the feast, their Majesties gamely tried their hand at manning the grill, with Charles slowly turning sausages and Camilla wielding a pair of tongs with regal flair.
The royal couple also engaged in playful banter with surf lifesavers, who cheekily invited Charles to take a dip in his speedos. “Maybe another time,” the King replied with a chuckle.
A Reunion 40 Years in the Making
At the National Centre for Indigenous Excellence (NCIE), King Charles was welcomed by Aunty Beryl Booth, who had served him kangaroo pies during a visit four decades earlier. The King then held a private meeting with key Indigenous elders, underscoring the significance of engaging with Australia’s First Peoples.
Meanwhile, Queen Camilla made her second visit to OzHarvest, a food rescue charity, where she was bestowed with their most prestigious honor – a teaspoon. “I shall wear it with pride,” she quipped, accepting the quirky accolade with her signature grace and humor.
Mingling with Aussie Icons
Throughout the day, the royal couple rubbed shoulders with a diverse array of Australian celebrities and community members. From cricketing legend David Warner to the original Blue Wiggle Anthony Field, the King and Queen seemed to relish the opportunity to connect with people from all walks of life.
In a speech at the barbecue, King Charles praised Sydney’s multicultural vibrancy, describing it as “one of the most dynamic, enterprising and culturally diverse communities in the world.” He even name-checked some quintessential Aussie fare, from smashed avo to pavlova and cab sav.
A Grand Finale at the Opera House
The royal visit culminated in a spectacular event at the iconic Sydney Opera House, where a crowd of around 10,000 gathered to catch a glimpse of the King and Queen. Primary school children performed a joyful synchronized dance, while the Royal Australian Navy conducted a Fleet Review on Sydney Harbour in honor of the occasion.
As the couple made their way through the throng of well-wishers, shaking hands and accepting flowers, the air was filled with cheers of “God Save The King” and declarations of love for the monarchy. For many, like 13-year-old Tilly Cooper who was thrilled to have her hand shaken by the King, it was a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
“This is amazing,” she exclaimed, jumping with joy. “He took my flowers and he shook my hand!”
As the sun set on the final day of their Australian tour, King Charles and Queen Camilla had not only engaged with the nation’s unique culture and people but also left an indelible impression on the hearts of many. For a country that hasn’t welcomed a reigning monarch since 2011, this visit was a momentous occasion that will be cherished for years to come.
