King Charles and Queen Camilla attended their first formal engagement in Australia on Sunday, joining a church service at St Thomas’ Anglican Church in north Sydney.
The royal couple arrived at the church amidst a mix of wellwishers and anti-monarchy protesters.
Queen Camilla wore a pale green Anna Valentine dress and coat, paired with a straw hat by Lock & Co.
The service was officiated by the Archbishop of Sydney, the Most Reverend Kanishka Raffel.
Following the service, the King and Queen took time to meet some of the gathered crowd.
The royal visit has marked a historic moment, as it is the first time a King of Australia has visited the country where he is Head of State.
Ellie Mantle, the wife of Rector Micky Mantle, brought children from St Thomas’ Church Sunday School to meet the royal guests. The youngsters presented gifts for the King’s grandchildren: a rugby ball, a cricket ball, and a stuffed koala.
Lisa Knezevic, 43, from Sydney, expressed her appreciation for the King’s long journey: “I want to let him know how we appreciate he made the really big trip.”
A protester wearing a T-shirt that reads ‘Abolish the Monarchy’
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Sheffield-born Ryan Gilpin, 33, who has lived in Sydney for 11 years, shared his excitement: “I’ve been waiting 33 years for this moment because I just love the King and the Royal Family.”
Despite the warm welcome, anti-monarchy protesters were present about 100 metres from the church.
One group displayed a banner reading “Empire Built on Genocide”, while another held a sign saying “Decolonise”.
Among the protesters was Lizzy Jarrett, wearing an “Abolish the Monarchy” T-shirt featuring Queen Elizabeth II’s face. Jarrett expressed her opposition to British rule and called for the return of Aboriginal land.
King Charles and Queen Camilla did also receive some well-wishers in Australia
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King Charles being embraced by a royal fan outside the church
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The presence of protesters highlights the ongoing debate about Australia’s relationship with the monarchy. This discussion has been reignited by the royal visit, with some questioning the country’s ties to the British Crown.
Despite these tensions, the royal couple continued their engagements, demonstrating the complex nature of Australia’s constitutional monarchy in the modern era.
The royal visit to Australia is part of a broader tour that includes various engagements and events. In Canberra, a reception is planned for Monday, though notably, Australia’s six state premiers are expected to miss the event due to other commitments.
The tour programme balances formal duties with more relaxed activities, including meetings with senior politicians and a traditional barbecue. Queen Camilla will focus on causes close to her heart, such as working against domestic violence and promoting literacy.
King Charles is set to meet with Professors Georgina Long and Richard Scolyer, named Australians of the Year 2024 for their work on melanoma research. The royal couple will also spend time in Canberra, meeting leading figures and paying respects to Australia’s fallen.
