King Charles and Queen Camilla Embark on Royal Tour of Australia and Samoa: See the Best Photos!

The King and Queen Arrive in Sydney

King Charles and Queen Camilla touched down in Sydney at 8:30 p.m. local time on Friday, Oct. 18. They were met by Australia’s Governor-General Sam Mostyn, Australia’s Prime Minister Anthony Albanese — and pouring rain! After their arrival, Charles and Camilla then headed to Admiralty House in Sydney for a short meeting with Albanese and his partner. The two are due to visit both Sydney and Canberra while Down Under.

Photos of the King and Queen Light Up the Sydney Opera House

Images of King Charles and Queen Camilla were illuminated on the Sydney Opera House as they arrived in Australia. In total, 21 images were beamed onto the building’s white shells from 9 p.m. until midnight, including black and white photos of then-Prince Charles playing cricket, on horseback and at Bondi Beach in 1966, as well as a portrait taken for the Australian public last year, according to the Times. The light show was originally scheduled to start at 8 p.m. but was delayed by nearly an hour due to poor weather conditions.

Queen Camilla Wears a Meaningful Brooch in Sydney

Queen Camilla, wearing a royal blue silk crepe dress by Fiona Clare and a symbolic Australian Wattle Brooch from Queen Elizabeth’s collection, was presented with a posy upon arrival in Sydney by Ky, 12, and his sister Charlotte. While in Australia, Camilla’s engagements will reflect her commitment to encouraging reading and literacy and raising awareness of domestic and family violence.

King Charles Makes History as First British King to Visit Australia

As he visits Australia, King Charles will become only the second British monarch — and the first British King — to ever visit the country. In 1954, just two years into her history-making reign, Charles’ mother Queen Elizabeth became the first British monarch to step on Australian soil. It will be Charles and Camilla’s first trip to Australia since 2018, when they opened the Commonwealth Games on the Queensland Gold Coast, and while in Australia, the King is expected to “pause” cancer treatments while abroad and travel with two doctors on the trip.

The King and Queen Attend Church for First Public Engagement of Tour

During their visit to Australia, Charles and Camilla will celebrate the best of the country, visiting Parliament House in Canberra and being the guests of honor at a reception attended by political and community leaders and prominent Australians from the worlds of health, arts, culture and sports. There will also be a stop at the Australian War Memorial and a visit to the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander memorial “For Our Country.” The King and Queen are in Australia until Wednesday, when they fly to Samoa. Here, they’re seen at their first public engagement in Australia, attending church in Sydney at St. Thomas’s Anglican Church on Sunday, Oct. 20, following a rest day on Saturday, Oct. 19.

King Charles Gives His First Speech in Australia, and Brings a Gift!

King Charles said it was “slightly worrying” to think that it was “nearly 60 years” since his first visit to Australia, he said in his first speech in Australia on Sunday, Oct. 20. Addressing a reception at Parliament House in Sydney to mark the legislature’s bicentenary year, the King gave an hourglass as a gift to mark the 200th anniversary of the New South Wales parliament.

“In the spirit of marking the passage of time, it is my great pleasure to present a small gift to the Parliament,” the King said. “It is in fact an hourglass — a speech timer — to sit in the chamber and bear witness to the Legislative Council’s next chapter.”

“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,” he added. “So, thank you, thank you, ladies and gentlemen for making me feel so very welcome.”

Crowds Line Up to Greet King Charles and Queen Camilla

Though the King did endure some heckling, crowds turned out to welcome him and Queen Camilla to Australia for their first visit there in six years, and his first as monarch. “It brought back fond memories for them,” an aide said of being cheered on by well-wishers, per the Times. “They are genuinely excited about the trip.”

The King and Queen Undertake Engagements in Canberra

The King and Queen, seen here in Canberra, the second of two cities they’ll visit while in Australia. The couple’s Canberra itinerary included a visit to Parliament, where they were greeted by senior ministers, members of the judiciary and military officials, and a visit to the National Bushfire Behaviour Research Laboratory.

The King and Queen Observe an Indigenous Performance While in Canberra

The King and Queen, joined by Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, watch an Indigenous performance during a Parliamentary reception in Canberra on Monday, Oct. 21. Though this royal tour is more scaled back than most, Charles and Camilla are still packing in 36 engagements in eight days.

King Charles and Queen Camilla Sign Visitors’ Book in Canberra

The King and Queen attend a ceremonial welcome and Parliamentary reception at the Australian Parliament House on Monday, Oct. 21, 2024, in Canberra. One of many memorable moments from the tour occurred when an alpaca, dressed in a crown and suit with a golden bow tie, sneezed on the King as the animal was introduced to the monarch (and the KIng stroked his nose!). The alpaca, Hephner, who is 9 and famous for meeting celebrities, met Charles outside the Australian War Memorial.

The King and Queen Visit the Australian War Memorial

While in Canberra, King Charles and Queen Camilla visited the Australian War Memorial on Monday, Oct. 21. While there, the couple laid a floral tribute at the Tomb of the Unknown Australian Soldier.

King Charles Visits the National Bushfire Behaviour Research Laboratory

During a visit to the National Bushfire Behaviour Research Laboratory in Canberra, the King observed the “Pyrotron” combustion wind tunnel on Monday, Oct. 21. The “pyrotron” is a cutting-edge wind tunnel designed to replicate the deadly effects of Australian bushfires.

Queen Camilla and King Charles at the Australian National Botanic Gardens

Queen Camilla loops her arm through King Charles’ during a visit the Australian National Botanic Gardens on Monday, Oct. 21, 2024 in Canberra. The couple, though they knew one another far longer, married in April 2005 and will celebrate 20 years of marriage next year.

Queen Camilla Attends a Discussion on Family and Domestic Violence in Canberra

Queen Camilla attended a discussion on family and domestic violence on Monday, Oct. 21, 2024 in Canberra. The engagement was just one of many for the Queen, who had plans to chat with children taking part in a Queen’s Commonwealth Essay Competition workshop at a library in Sydney; at the discussion about family and domestic violence in Canberra, Camilla joined the discussion with people affected by domestic and family violence and experts on the issue.

The Queen recently participated in a documentary about domestic violence and its impact, which will be shown in the U.K. on ITV1 later this year.

King Charles and Queen Camilla Man the Grill at a Community Barbeque in Sydney

The King and Queen are royals of many talents! Back in Sydney again on Tuesday, Oct. 22, Charles and Camilla cook sausages at a community barbeque at Parramatta Park. Coincidentally, Camilla’s son Tom Parker Bowles’ book Cooking & the Crown: Royal Recipes from Queen Victoria to King Charles III came out the same day, filled with recipes beloved and made by both the King and Queen.

Amid His Own Cancer Diagnosis, King Charles Meets with Cancer Researchers

In Sydney on Tuesday, Oct. 22, King Charles visited the Melanoma Institute of Australia, where he met with renowned cancer researchers Professor Georgina Long and Professor Richard Scolyer to learn more about their work in melanoma treatment. Melanoma is one of Australia’s most common cancers, and the King met with the professors to hear about how they are helping those affected. Though his type and stage of cancer are still unknown, King Charles was diagnosed with cancer earlier this year, with the announcement made by Buckingham Palace on Feb. 5.

The King Dons a Hard Hat During a Busy Day in Sydney

The King paid a visit to the Homes NSW Cowper Street development — hard hat and all! — on Tuesday, Oct. 22. The jam-packed Tuesday in Sydney was filled with a meeting with cancer researchers, a barbeque hosted by the Premier of New South Wales, an important chat with Indigenous leaders and a visit to Sydney Opera House.

Queen Camilla Promotes Literacy, a Cause She’s Long Championed

Queen Camilla, an avid reader and champion of literacy, made a visit to the Green Square Library in Sydney on Tuesday, Oct. 22. After flying into Sydney on the evening of Friday, Oct. 18 and taking a rest day alongside husband King Charles on Saturday, Oct. 19, the couple’s schedule was full with engagements in Sydney on Sunday, Oct. 20, in Canberra on Monday, Oct. 21 and then again in Sydney on Tuesday. On Wednesday, Oct. 23, Charles and Camilla are expected to arrive in Samoa, the second leg of their two-country Oceania tour.

Crowds Greet King Charles Arriving for a Naval Fleet Review in Sydney

The Union Jack flag is on display as crowds greet the King arriving to board the Admiral Hudson naval vessel during a naval fleet review on Tuesday, Oct. 22. While in Australia, the King launched a new charity initiative: The King’s Foundation Australia, which he announced during an engagement at Admiralty House in Sydney on Tuesday. The King’s Foundation Australia is an expansion of The King’s Foundation, first formed in the U.K. in 1990 when Charles was still Prince of Wales.

Enthusiastic Well-Wishers Greet Queen Camilla in Sydney

Crowds turned out en masse to greet King Charles and Queen Camilla in Sydney on Tuesday, Oct. 22. “Wow Sydney, what a turnout!” the Royal Family wrote on Instagram, adding a starry-eyed smiling emoji and heart hand emoji for full effect at how much the couple appreciated their warm welcome.

King Charles Meets with Indigenous Leaders One Day After Lawmaker’s Protest

One day after King Charles was met with a shout of “You are not our King” while in Canberra, he was met with a warm welcome from Indigenous leaders in Sydney as protests continue over sovereignty. While visiting the National Centre of Indigenous Excellence (NCIE) on Tuesday, Oct. 22, the King appeared relaxed and seemed to enjoy meeting elders. He also took part in a traditional smoking ceremony led by community representatives from the Gadigal people of the Eora Nation. The center aims to create opportunities with and for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people across Australia.

A View Fit for a King and Queen

King Charles and Queen Camilla pose in front of a backdrop fit for royalty on Tuesday, Oct. 22 in Sydney. The couple posed for pictures in front of the Sydney Opera House with the Sydney Harbour Bridge in the background ahead of their departure from Australia. They’re next headed for Samoa and the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) there.

King Charles and Queen Camilla Depart Australia and Head to Samoa

After a six-day Australia visit, the couple wave as they depart from Sydney Airport on Wednesday, Oct. 23. According to Hello!, when the couple arrive in Samoa, Lenatai Victor Tamapua, a Samoan chief and member of parliament, said he planned to offer the title “Tui Taumeasina” to the King during a traditional ceremonial welcome to Charles and Camilla on Thursday, Oct. 24 — which the outlet reports translates to “high chief.”

The King and Queen Arrive in Samoa and Are Greeted by the Country’s Prime Minister

After arriving in Australia on Friday, Oct. 18, the King and Queen touched down in Samoa on Wednesday, Oct. 23, the second leg of their two-country tour. Upon arrival, the two were greeted by Samoa’s Prime Minister Fiame Naomi Mata’afa at Faleolo International Airport as they prepare to attend the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) 2024.

A Royal Greeting in Samoa

The couple were greeted in Samoa by a guard of honor formed by the Samoa Police Service and were also welcomed by the Samoa Royal Police Band. “God Save the King,” the national anthem of the U.K., was played, and the monarch acknowledged the royal salute of the officers.

Ahead of arriving in Samoa, Charles and Camilla posted a personal message on their social media, writing, “As we head towards Apia, we can’t wait to visit Samoa for the first time together and to experience the warmth of ancient traditions with your remarkable people. Feiloa’i ma le manuia! Charles R & Camilla R.”

The last few words in Samoan loosely translate as “Looking forward to meeting the Samoan people,” Hello! reported.

King Charles Is Named High Chief as He and Queen Camilla Wear Matching White Outfits and Leis

King Charles and Queen Camilla match in white outfits and leis at Samoa Cultural Village on Thursday, Oct. 24. That same day, the King was made an honorary High Chief of Samoa and given the title of Paramount Chief of Taumeasina, and during a ceremony in the village of Moata’a, village chief Tofaeono Iupati Fuatai said the decision to honor the King in this manner was a sign of respect to the traditions of the village’s forefathers, according to the Times.

“When you are given a title like this, it is a big honor,” he said. “We hope that the King takes a small part of Samoa away with him. Once he has the title of Tui-Taumeasina, we also become part of him, and he will be connected to our people and our lands forever.”

“In the old days, we believed in the conferring of a title as a mark of respect to one another, and that is what we are doing today. When you confer such a title from the heart, we become bonded as one,” he added.

King Charles Takes Part in an Ava Ceremony in Samoa

The couple take part in an Ava ceremony on Thursday, Oct. 24 in Samoa. The Ava drink, which is made from the root of a plant of the same name, is said to have soothing properties, according to the Times. After being handed the drink in a coconut shell, Charles poured a small amount onto the ground, according to tradition, before taking a sip. “May God bless this Ava,” he said, adding, “la manuia,” which translates as “be prosperous.”

According to The Sun, the Ava ceremony is the highest protocol of respect in Samoan culture. Charles’ mother, Queen Elizabeth, also took part in an Ava ceremony during her Silver Jubilee tour of the South Pacific in 1977.

Queen Camilla Enjoys Samoan Culture at a School Visit

Queen Camilla made a visit to Moata’a villege’s aoga faifeau to learn about the history and impact of these schools on Thursday, Oct. 24. On the same day, the King and Queen visited a cultural village to see exhibitions of traditional crafts, including the sacred art of tattooing, the Times reported. On Friday, Oct. 25, the King, who is head of the Commonwealth, will attend the Commonwealth Head of Government Meeting (CHOGM) 2024, where he is expected to address delegates during the day and then host an evening reception.

Torrential Rain During the King and Queen’s Visit Considered “Fortuitous” and a Blessing

The King took shelter from the torrential rain under an umbrella during a visit to O Le Pupu-Pue National Park, Samoa’s oldest park, on Thursday, Oct. 24. Charles and Camilla’s hosts assured them that the downpour was considered “fortuitous,” according to the Times, and the King was told by a village elder that the rain was a blessing.

King Charles Makes Time to Laugh amid the Downpour

The King laughed with members of a cricket team during a visit to the Samoan Cultural Village on Thursday, Oct. 24. While there, both the King and Queen received leis, with Charles’ lei made of dried fruit from the pandanus tree and Camilla’s made with flowers, the Times reported. That same day, a dead pig was displayed in front of the royal couple before being gifted back to the local community, and the King officially launched the King’s Commonwealth Fellowship Program, which will be run by the Association of Commonwealth Universities.

King Charles and Queen Camilla Arrive at the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting

King Charles and Queen Camilla arrived at the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) 2024 in Samoa on Friday, Oct. 25. As King, Charles is head of the Commonwealth, an association of 56 nations globally.

In his speech Friday, his first as head of the Commonwealth, the King acknowledged that “the most painful aspects of our past continue to resonate,” as leaders of countries linked to Britain raise the issue of reparations for slavery. Elsewhere in his speech, he urged leaders to find “creative ways” to conquer inequalities.

Queen Camilla Opens the Queen Camilla Pre-School of Hope in Samoa

Queen Camilla is presented with a gift during a visit to the Samoa Victim Support Group on Friday, Oct. 25. At SVSG, the Queen opened the Queen Camilla Pre-School of Hope as the organization continues its mission to raise awareness and educate young people about tackling and preventing violence against women and girls. “Thank you for your amazing work,” the King and Queen’s Instagram account wrote.

The King Raises a Glass to Open CHOGM 2024

The King raises a glass as CHOGM 2024 opens on Friday, Oct. 25 in Samoa. Charles addressed Commonwealth leaders at the event, which brings together leaders from 56 member countries every two years to discuss how they can work together to effect change. This year’s CHOGM is the first to be held in a Pacific Small Island Developing State, and its theme is “One Resilient Common Future: Transforming Our Common Wealth.”

King Charles Opens The King’s Garden in Samoa

King Charles officially opens The King’s Garden, located on the grounds of the Robert Louis Stevenson Museum, on Friday, Oct. 25. The King’s Garden includes species which have predominantly royal purple flowers and leaves, and the garden is planted in a shape designed to represent a crown.

It also contains native king ferns, English roses and teuila (red ginger), the national flower of Samoa.

Queen Camilla Arrives at CHOGM

Queen Camilla arriving at the CHOGM reception and dinner on Friday, Oct. 25. Camilla has kept busy while in Samoa, attending an engagement at a school in Moata’a Village and delivering a keynote address in recognition of Commonwealth efforts to end gender-based violence.

“We know that abuse can be prevented and ultimately eliminated, but only if we work together until that task is completed,” she said in part. “That is our commitment — to each other, to the Commonwealth and to the generations to come.”

The King Poses Alongside New Heads of Government from Across the Commonwealth

The King poses with new Heads of Government from across the Commonwealth at the New Heads of Government Reception on Friday, Oct. 25. The day provided the opportunity for the King to meet with a new community of leaders and welcome them to the Commonwealth family, according to the palace.

CHOGM encourages Commonwealth leaders to work together to tackle the most pressing issues facing the world, like climate change, creating opportunities for young people and fostering inclusive and sustainable prosperity for all.

King Charles Addresses Leaders as CHOGM 2024 Opens

The King delivers remarks during the opening ceremony of CHOGM 2024 on Friday, Oct. 25.

“Our cohesion requires we acknowledge where we have come from. I understand, from listening to people across the Commonwealth, how the most painful aspects of our past continue to resonate,” the Daily Telegraph reported.

“It is vital, therefore, that we understand our history — to guide us to make the right choices in the future,” he added.

King Charles Takes in a Performance at the Opening of CHOGM 2024

The opening day of CHOGM was filled with the culture of Samoa, where the meeting is being held in 2024. In his speech on Friday, Oct. 25, the King gave remarks to the leaders present as his wife, Queen Camilla, watched from the front row.

“None of us can change the past. But we can commit with all our hearts to learning its lessons and to finding creative ways to right inequalities that endure,” Charles said in part.

“Where inequalities exist, for example, in access to opportunity; to education; to skills training; to employment; to health; and to a planet in whose climate our human race can both survive and thrive, we must find the right ways, and the right language, to address them,” he continued.

King Charles Gets Animated at the CHOGM Reception and Dinner

The King reacts as he attends the CHOGM reception and dinner on Friday, Oct. 25. Friday marked one week since Charles and Camilla touched down in a downpour in Sydney, Australia that evening; the King and Queen will conclude their royal tour of Australia and Samoa on Saturday, Oct. 26, and will return home to the U.K. after the first visit to a Commonwealth realm of Charles’ reign and the first tour of this nature since the King announced in February he had been diagnosed with cancer.

Source people.com