The King undertook his first major ceremonial duty – and an impromptu royal outing – in Australia today when he visited the New South Wales Legislative Council to mark its bicentenary.
The passage of time was clearly on the King’s mind as he commented on the “slightly worrying” fact that he first arrived in the country almost sixty years ago.
However, looking cheerful despite the long trip to Australia, he also seemed delighted to present an hourglass as a gift to mark the occasion, and spoke of his delight at returning as King, having last visited the New Wales Parliamentary Building of the South in 1974, saying: “With the sands of time encouraging brevity, I can only say what a great joy it is to come to Australia for the first time as sovereign and renew the love for this country and its people that I have cherished for so long. long.
“So, thank you, thank you, ladies and gentlemen, for making me feel so welcome.”
He then asked the Chairman of the Legislative Council, the Honorable Ben Franklin, if he could turn the hourglass for good luck.
Charles, 75, who was not accompanied by the Queen, was greeted by a line of dignitaries at the parliamentary building.
Outside there was a crowd of several hundred supporters, a fairly large gathering since the engagement had not been announced in advance.
Inside he was shown a large piece of art by artist Kim Healey, the first by an Indigenous artist to be displayed in the building.
The King undertook his first major ceremonial duty – and an impromptu royal outing – in Australia today when he visited the New South Wales Legislative Council to mark its bicentenary.
However, looking cheerful despite the long trip around Australia, he also seemed delighted to present an hourglass as a gift to mark the occasion.
‘Is it really painted?’ he asked, marveling at the brushstrokes of the striking piece.
At a reception and luncheon for state representatives in the Strangers’ Dining Room, the King was introduced with fanfare and entered on a red carpet in a ceremonial procession and people stretched to see him or take a photo of him.
In a short speech on stage, the king said: ‘Having been with you for your 150th birthday, I am delighted – and proud – to be able to return to the New South Wales Parliament to celebrate the occasion of your bicentenary.
“I will say more tomorrow at a reception in Canberra, but I cannot let this opportunity pass without saying a few words to commemorate this important milestone.
“I think it’s fascinating to reflect on 200 years ago. Thinking back to those times makes one wonder what that inaugural handful of members of the New South Wales Legislative Council would make of this Parliament today and how this great State has progressed.’
He concluded: ‘Since I was here in 1974 – and, by the way, I first came to Oz almost 60 hours ago, which is a little worrying – this place and the people who inhabit it have continued to maintain strong representational traditions.
‘To everyone who has been a part of this, I can only offer my sincerest congratulations.
And in the spirit of commemorating the passing of time, it gives me great pleasure to present a small gift to Parliament.
‘Indeed, it is an hourglass, a speech timer, to sit in the chamber and witness the next chapter of the Legislative Council. ‘
He was then introduced to senior legislative officials, the indigenous artist whose work he admired, as well as the winner of a regional speech contest.
Upon leaving the building, the King suddenly crossed the street to the applause of well-wishers waiting to see him.
Many were there by chance and complained loudly about the lack of publicity surrounding the event, as well as many other upcoming engagements.
One of them, Robert, a follower of the Mail’s Palace show Confidential, said: “We are not a nation of republicans, we love the monarchy and we are very pleased they are here.” They (local officials) have been very secretive about what they are doing and most people are here by chance. People will come out to welcome them warmly if they allow us.’
As the King moved up and down the crowd shaking his hand, he was greeted with choruses of “welcome back”, “nice to see you” and “thank you for coming”.
King Charles and Queen Camilla attended a service at St Thomas’ Anglican Church in Sydney’s north early Sunday morning.
King Charles interacted with Australians waiting outside the church to meet the monarch.
“It’s great to be here,” he said. “I’m very happy to be back.”
Gerald and Christine Fletcher, from Jersey, who are on holiday in Australia, also stumbled upon the engagement by chance.
Mr. Fletcher said to the king, “Welcome back.” We are from the United Kingdom and we have come here to see you. Congratulations for coming. ‘
“I am very happy to be here,” said the King.
“Did you come on one of those big cruise ships?
‘No, we came on a big plane!’ Mr. Fletcher joked.
“It really is a pleasure to see you, well done.”
He then explained: “Ironically, we missed them when they came to Jersey recently, so it’s amazing to see them here.” We happened to be passing by and saw a bit of commotion and asked the policeman if the King was here. He told me ‘you’re lucky, it’s about to come out’. ‘
Mrs Fletcher added: “What a wonderful time to be able to speak to him.” He looked good. Good for him for coming here with everything that happened to him. ‘