The crown prince of Brunei has spent time with some of Australia's most lovable residents - at Taronga Zoo in Sydney - during his whistle-stop tour of the South Pacific.
Twenty-nine-year-old Prince Haji Al-Muhtadee Billah, son of the fabulously wealthy Sultan of Brunei, is more accustomed to chatting with high-minded international representatives, but he seemed only too happy to receive the welcome of a family of possums.
He was a little hesitant about getting to know the koala bears, as the cute-looking creatures aren't always as docile as they might appear. But after being assured that this particular family were well-versed in diplomatic conduct, the prince gave one of them a friendly pat.
But he observed royal protocol and did not make physical contact when introduced to a pair of Sumatran Tigers, though he was clearly very impressed. And the crown prince was equally reserved when he came face-to-face with Digby the wombat, who seemed rather over-excited about his royal guest. The Brunei visitor declined an offer to hold him, but his subsequent meeting with two red pandas went beautifully.
The prince met with Prime Minister John Howard before jetting off to see Foreign Minister Alexander Downer in Canberra.
Photo: © Alphapress.com
Photo: © Alphapress.com
