King Charles was seen looking surprised as an alpaca sneezed on him during a visit to Canberra during his six-day royal tour of Australia.
The nine-year-old alpaca, Hephner, was one of over a thousand royal supporters who welcomed the King as he arrived on Monday to remember the Australian War Memorial Day.
Hephner was dressed in a suit and bow tie, with a golden crown on his head, as he waited in the crowds.
King Charles and Queen Camilla arrived in Australia’s capital, where they will spend just one day before flying to Samoa.
The head of state was captured laughing after the fluffy white mammal sneezed on his arm, catching King Charles off-guard.
Reuters
The head of state was captured laughing after the fluffy white mammal sneezed on his arm, catching King Charles off-guard.
Hephner’s owner, Robert Fletcher, said: “At least he didn’t spit.”
He added: “One king meets another king.”
The pair, from Goulburn, were permitted to stand on the grounds and are well-known throughout the Canberra region for their charity work.
Hephner, named after Playboy founder Hugh Hefner, was dressed in a suit and bow tie, with a golden crown on his head, as he waited in the crowds.
Reuters
Hephner achieved fame through his role as a support animal for charities and nursing homes.
The video, recorded by Ducan Stone and posted on his X account, shows King Charles stroking the animal’s nose with his finger, causing Hephner to sneeze.
One fan commented: “Aww how cute.”
The King is taking a reduced six-day tour of the country following his cancer diagnosis announcement in February this year, leading to him taking a short break from royal duties.
King Charles met with Aboriginal elders, who told the monarch about their people’s goal of sovereignty and their desire to be heard.
PA
This is the King’s first visit to Australia since his Coronation in May last year and his first major international tour since his cancer diagnosis.
Despite Canberra being known for its republicans, crowds of royal fans waited to meet the King as he took a 30-minute walk to greet the crowds.
Later that day, Charles faced an outburst from an Australian senator who shouted anti-colonial slogans, including “You are not my King.”
He also met with Aboriginal elders, who told the monarch about their people’s goal of sovereignty and their desire to be heard.
