King Charles and Queen Camilla received a warm welcome as they touched down in Canberra on Monday, marking their first visit to Australia's capital in nearly a decade.
The Queen looked radiant in a chic white silk crepe dress by Anna Valentine, perfectly accessorised with a striking diamond and pearl brooch, previously worn by Queen Elizabeth II and the Queen Mother.
This marks Charles' 16th official visit to Australia, a country that holds special significance for him, as he spent six months attending school here as a teenager in 1966. However, this trip is particularly poignant as it is his first major foreign engagement since revealing his cancer diagnosis in February.
Upon their arrival, the royal couple headed to the Australian War Memorial, where they laid a floral tribute at the Tomb of the Unknown Australian Soldier.
It was a touching return to the site they last visited in 2015, and members of the public gathered in large numbers to catch a glimpse of the royals. Among the crowd was Georgia Bray, who, despite being a republican, joined in the celebrations.
"I'm a republican but today I'm a monarchist,” Georgia said with a smile. “I'm Australian, and Australians are polite. We'll give our King and Queen a good welcome."
Among the royal enthusiasts was Lynton Martin from Melbourne, who sported a crown and a suit adorned with Union Jacks. Having already met Charles the day before in Sydney, Lynton hoped for a second encounter.
"I was lucky to meet King Charles in Sydney yesterday, so hopefully, I get to see him again today,” he said excitedly. “It's a great opportunity to welcome the King to Australia and make sure he feels very much at home."
An alpaca dressed in a crown and suit with a golden bow tie fluffed his big royal moment when he sneezed on the King as was introduced to the monarch on his tour of Australia. Nine-year-old Hephner, who is famous Down Under for meeting celebrities, met the monarch outside the Australian War Memorial but when His Majesty stroked his nose the Hephner left off a loud sneeze - provoking laughter.
Thousands turned out to greet the King and Queen - with fans waving flags and banners. They included Robert Fletcher brought his alpaca - named Hephner as his mother was called Playgirl - on its lead to meet the King. Robert, of Goulburn, New South Wales, uses his alpaca as a support animal for charities and nursing homes. “My wife found the crown and thought it was fitting. I think he loves his crown very much," he said. “He has lots of outfits but it’s a special day so he is in a suit and bow tie as well.“ Hephner has met a few famous people before but this is the King. He wants to meet the King.“He doesn’t bite and he doesn’t spit. He’s always on his best behaviour anyway.
“And he is a pro-monarchy alpaca.” He continued: “I got to shake his hand and then Hephner sneezed. The King just looked in disbelief. But it’s just who Hephner is. He is an alpaca after all.”
John Mordes, 21, who bunked off work to see the King and Queen, who left work to catch a glimpse of the royals, said: “I came down because he is the King and Queen and I don’t know when I will ever see them again.“He looks really good and had a firm handshake.”
Wendy Davies, 67 of Melbourne, met Queen Camilla. She said: “I said welcome to Australia and shook her hand. She is looking beautiful.”
At the end of the walk the couple stood at the For Our Country Memorial where Sub Lieutenant Jordan Bradshaw, an Indigenous serving member of the Australian Defence Force who will also sound the didgeridoo.
The King and Queen’s Canberra itinerary included a visit to Parliament, where they were greeted by senior ministers, members of the judiciary, and military officials. The monarchs were also keen to observe Australia’s efforts in combatting the country’s infamous bushfires. At the National Bushfire Behaviour Research Laboratory, Charles – a lifelong advocate for environmental causes – witnessed a demonstration of the "pyrotron," a cutting-edge wind tunnel designed to replicate the deadly effects of Australian bushfires.
Charles and Camilla began their Australian tour in Sydney, where, on Sunday, they were greeted by hundreds of well-wishers outside St. Thomas’ Anglican Church after attending a service. The enthusiasm from the crowd was undeniable, a testament to the continued affection for the British royals in the Commonwealth country.
The royal couple will continue their tour with further engagements in Sydney on Tuesday before heading to Samoa.
There, they will attend a meeting of the British Commonwealth countries, a reflection of Charles’ commitment to strengthening ties with nations across the Commonwealth.
For Charles, this visit represents not only a return to a country he holds dear but also a reaffirmation of his dedication to the causes he has championed throughout his life, even as he navigates his health challenges.
Our intrepid hosts Andrea Caamano and Emmy Griffiths are back alongside HELLO!'s Royal Editor Emily Nash to discuss King Charles and Queen Camilla's long-anticipated trip to Australia