Written By Lisa Murimi
King Charles and Queen Camilla were officially welcomed to Sydney Airport, marking the start of their six-day visit to Australia.Â
Arriving amid thunderous showers, they were greeted by Australia’s Governor-General Sam Mostyn and Prime Minister Anthony Albanese.
This is the King’s first visit to Australia as head of state, following his ascension in September 2022.
The royal couple will have a day to recover from the long flight before beginning their official engagements on Sunday.
Their schedule is adjusted to reflect their age, with no evening events or late-night outings.
The visit will focus on environmental projects, meetings with political and community leaders, and a naval review in Sydney Harbour.
A highlight of the trip will be the King’s meeting with Australian scientists Georgina Long and Richard Scolyer, who have made breakthroughs in melanoma research.
This tour has rekindled debate over whether Australia should become a republic.
While republicans have called the trip a “farewell tour,” monarchists have expressed frustration over the absence of the state premiers at the official reception in Canberra.
In a message shared on social media, the royal couple expressed their excitement to “celebrate the extraordinarily rich cultures and communities” of Australia.
