The King and Queen’s arrival in Australia was met with dismal skies and torrential rain, but the unwelcoming weather appeared to be in complete contrast to interactions I observed on the ground between Australians and their relatively new Head of State.
The six-day tour was both a constitutionally significant and personally important trip for King Charles, who has become the first ever reigning king to step foot on Australian soil.
I’m told he has a deep affection with the country, having officially visited 15 times previously.
In the 1960’s, he spent two terms studying at a grammar school in the country.
The King’s 15 realms around the world are questioning whether the British monarchy should retain its stronghold; it has taken more than two years for the King to visit his first overseas territory.
Perhaps this is because thousands of miles usually lie between the London-based sovereign, and a majority of his subjects.
Of course, ascending the throne is also a busy and challenging time; a smooth continuity is essential.
King Charles is also 75 years old, and has an undisclosed form of cancer.
ROYAL LATEST:
Despite his health problems, he embarked on a gruelling 24-hour trip Down Under, and much larger crowds than expected turned out to show their support.
From speaking to Australians who had the chance to meet His Majesty, it is clear the King is well-informed about the issues of the day.
At a reception in Sydney, he launched the Australian version of his charity The King’s Foundation to restore the historic Hillview Estate, similar to Dumfries House in Ayrshire.
Hillview is expected to become a practical education and training hub, as well as a traditional and heritage craft development – one of His Majesty’s passions is working in conjunction with the natural world, rather than against it.
It could also create a lasting legacy for King Charles in supporting the next generation of Australians.
Inevitably, there was opposition to the King and Queen’s tour Down Under, and not just from a handful of British republicans who appeared with their large yellow flags, and subsequently banished from engagements by police officers.
A small, but noisy First Nations protest was largely drowned out by the crowds of well-wishers outside St Thomas’ Anglican Church in Northern Sydney on Sunday.
Charles and Camilla in Sydney
PA
King Charles was welcomed with ‘open arms’ in Australia
PA
But they were protesting an issue many Australians care deeply about.
In Canberra, His Majesty addressed it head on in the Great Hall of Parliament House, acknowledging aboriginal communities’ plight and the loss of their land they called home for 65,000 years before it was colonised.
The speech followed a screeching outburst from Senator Lidia Thorpe, accusing the King of “genocide” in front of many camera lenses.
The King kept his composure, and the next day spent time with Aboriginal elders to hear their stories and acknowledge their suffering – an engagement that was always planned.
People will have different opinions as to whether their Majesties’ tour Down Under was a success.
The King may well be satisfied that both the Australian Prime Minister (famously a republican), the Leader of the Opposition, and Aboriginal leaders all chose to welcome him with open arms.
Most importantly, perhaps, were the thousands of ordinary Aussies, who braved the heat for hours for the chance to welcome their King home.
