Thousands of enthusiastic well-wishers lined the streets of Sydney on Tuesday, eager for a glimpse of King Charles and Queen Camilla.
Set against the stunning backdrop of the Sydney Opera House, bathed in late afternoon sunlight, the atmosphere was electric.
For Buckingham Palace, this moment marked the ideal conclusion to the royal tour of Australia.
The visuals of this event painted a positive picture, particularly after a protest in Canberra on Monday had threatened to overshadow the tour.
However, the mood in Sydney was unmistakably supportive, with large crowds turning out to greet the royal couple.
Behind the scenes, getting to this point – the successful completion of the tour – came as a significant relief to the King’s staff.
Back in February, the tour seemed unlikely to go ahead, after the King was diagnosed with cancer and began undergoing treatment.
Despite these challenges, the trip remained on the calendar, albeit with adjustments advised by his medical team.
The visit’s duration was shortened, and the engagements were carefully scheduled to ensure there were no early mornings or late evenings.
Even with these changes, the King and Queen maintained a busy itinerary, keeping to a packed schedule over their few days in Australia.
On Tuesday alone, the royal couple managed to visit a wide range of locations and initiatives. Their day included stops at a National Centre of Indigenous Excellence, a food bank, a social housing project, a literacy program, and a community barbecue.
They also met with two prominent cancer researchers, celebrated the 50th anniversary of the Sydney Opera House, and attended a naval review in Sydney Harbour.
Additionally, an Australian branch of the King’s Foundation was launched during the trip, a charity that promotes sustainability and traditional craft training.
Such royal visits typically require engagement at diverse and rapid-fire events, and the crowds at each location were eager for the King’s attention.
Despite his recent health issues, the King managed to keep pace, showing no visible signs of strain, and he seemed genuinely moved by the public’s warm reception during his first official visit to Australia as monarch.
Monday’s protest at Parliament House in Canberra, while uncomfortable, had been anticipated.
Over the years, the King has faced numerous protests and arrived in Australia knowing that both republican sentiments and campaigns supporting Indigenous communities might surface.
His presence in the country inevitably stirs up debate about his role as head of state, reviving questions about whether the monarchy is still relevant in modern-day Australia.
Although republican views simmer beneath the surface, they have not overtly disrupted the tour, aside from the protest in Parliament.
Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, a known republican supporter, has nonetheless been a welcoming host, joining the King and Queen for several engagements and offering warm words about the royal visit.
Before the Parliament House protest, Mr. Albanese formally welcomed the King to Canberra, stating, “You have shown great respect for Australians, even during times when we have debated the future of our own constitutional arrangements and the nature of our relationship with the crown. Nothing stands still.”
Despite the challenges, the tour seems to have been a success, with the King managing a grueling schedule, maintaining composure amidst protest, and receiving positive public support at nearly every stop.
