The King undertook his first major ceremonial duty – and an impromptu royal walkabout – in Australia today as he visited the New South Wales Legislative Council to mark its bicentenary.
The passing of time was clearly on the King’s mind as he remarked on the ‘slightly worrying’ fact that he first came to the country nearly sixty years ago.
Looking chipper despite the long journey Down Under, however, he also appeared delighted to hand over a gift of an hourglass to the mark the occasion, and spoke of his joy at returning as King having last visited the NSW parliamentary building in 1974, saying: ‘With the sands of time encouraging brevity, it just remains for me to say what a great joy it is to come to Australia for the first time as Sovereign, and to renew a love of this country and its people which I have cherished for so long.
‘So, thank you, thank you, Ladies and Gentlemen for making me feel so very welcome.’
He then asked the President of the Legislative Council, The Honourable Ben Franklin, if he could give the hourglass a spin for the good luck.
Charles, 75, who was not accompanied by the Queen, was greeted by a line-up of dignitaries at the parliamentary building.
Outside was crowd of several-hundred well-wishers – a fairly substantial gathering as the engagement hadn’t been advertised in advance.
Inside he was shown a large piece of artwork 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 walkabout – in Australia today as he visited the New South Wales Legislative Council to mark its bicentenary
Looking chipper despite the long journey Down Under, however, he also appeared delighted to hand over a gift of an hourglass to the mark the occasion
‘It’s actually painted?’ he asked, marvelling at the brushstrokes of the striking piece.
At a reception and lunch for state representatives in the Strangers’ Dining Room the King was introduced with a fanfare and walked in on a red carpet in a ceremonial procession and people craned to get a glimpse or grab a picture of him.
In a short speech on stage, the king said: ‘Having been with you for your 150th Anniversary, I am delighted – and proud – to be able to return to the Parliament of New South Wales in order to celebrate the occasion of your bicentenary.
‘I will be saying more at a reception in Canberra tomorrow, but I cannot let this opportunity pass without saying a few words to mark this most important milestone.
‘It is fascinating, I think, to reflect back to 200 years ago. Thinking about 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 of how this great State has progressed.’
He concluded: ‘Since I was here in 1974, and incidentally I first came to Oz nearly 60 hrs ago, which is slightly worrying — this place and the people within it — have continued to uphold strong representative traditions.
‘To everyone who has been a part of this, I can only offer my warmest congratulations.
And in the spirit of marking the passage of time, it is my great pleasure to present a small gift to the Parliament.
‘It is in fact an hourglass — a speech timer — to sit in the chamber and bear witness to the Legislative Council’s next chapter. ‘
Afterwards he was introduced to senior legislative officials, the indigenous artist whose work he had admired, as well as the winner of a regional public speaking contest.
As he left the building, the King suddenly took off across the road to the cheers of well-wishers waiting to see him.
Many were there by chance and complained loudly about the lack of publicity around the event, as well as many other forthcoming engagements.
One, Robert, a fan of the Mail’s Palace Confidential programme, said: ‘We are not a nation of republicans, we love the monarchy and are overjoyed about them being here. They [local officials] have been very secretive about what they are doing and most people are here by chance. The people will come out to greet them warmly if they let us.’
As the King went up and down the crowd shaking hands he was greeted with choruses of ‘welcome back’, ‘great to see you’ and ‘thank you for coming’.
King Charles and Queen Camilla attended a service at St Thomas’ Anglican Church in North Sydney early on Sunday morning
King Charles interacted with Australians who waited outside the church to meet the monarch
‘It’s fantastic to be here,’ he said. ‘I am so pleased to be back.’
Gerald and Christine Fletcher, from Jersey, who are on holiday in Australia, also stumbled across the engagement by chance.
Mr Fletcher told the King: ‘Welcome back. We are from the UK, all the way here to see you. Well done for coming. ‘
‘I am so glad to be here,’ said the King.
“Did you come on one of those big cruise ships?
‘No, we came on a big aeroplane!’ joked Mr Fletcher.
‘It really is lovely to see you, well done.’
Afterwards he explained: ‘Ironically we missed them when they came to Jersey recently so it amazing to see them all the way over here. We just happened to be walking past and saw a bit of a commotion and asked the policeman if the King was here. He said ‘you’re lucky, he’s just about to come out’. ‘
Mrs Fletcher added: ‘What a wonderful to moment to get to talk to him. He looked well. Good on him for coming out here with everything that is happened to him. ‘
***
Read more at DailyMail.co.uk