Mixed bag of reactions as King Charles commences Australia tour with church service
King Charles III and Queen Camilla joined the congregation at St Thomas’ Anglican Church in northern Sydney for Sunday service, marking the first day of their six-day Australian tour.
This visit is particularly significant as it’s King Charles’ first trip to Australia since becoming the country’s head of state in September 2022, and his largest trip since starting cancer treatment in February.
The royal couple met with well-wishers, including Lyn Tarbuck, who attended with her husband and two King Charles Spaniels. Tarbuck expressed her support for the monarchy, stating, “I think it’s joined forces – if we have a problem in Australia, they will help us out.” Others, like Roslyn Durie, were emotional about meeting the King, recalling her encounter with the Queen in 1980.
However, not everyone was welcoming. Outside the church, a small group of protesters, including Indigenous Kooma representative Wayne Wharton, voiced their opposition, shouting “not our King” and holding banners calling for decolonization.
During their visit, the King and Queen Camilla will meet with political and community leaders, celebrating Australian culture and heritage.
The King presented an hourglass to the New South Wales state parliament to commemorate its upper house’s 200th anniversary and expressed his “great joy” at visiting Australia as Sovereign.
This visit marks King Charles’ 16th official visit to Australia, showcasing his enduring connection to the country.
