On a glorious Sydney afternoon, King Charles III and Queen Camilla dazzled thousands of cheering supporters as they stepped out at Circular Quay.
An estimated 10,000 people lined the streets and packed into the forecourt of the Sydney Opera House on Tuesday for a royal to return to one of Australia’s most famous landmarks. A sniper sat atop one of the Sydney Opera House’s sails, and navy choppers circled, flying a giant Australian flag. The water in Sydney Harbour was sparkling and the sky was sunny and clear.
NSW Premier Chris Minns and his wife Anna Minns greeted the royal couple as they exited the vehicle, graciously welcoming them to the building visited on many royal visits. As they reached the top of the steps, the royals were introduced to six waiting special guests: British actor Dame Joanna Lumley, actor Heather Mitchell, acrobat and dancer Lucia Richardson, singer Jin Tea Kim, artistic director of Bangara Dance Theatre Francis Rings, and Sydney Symphony orchestra principal bass clarinet player Alexander Morris.
The royal couple were taken to the official guest book, signing their names in black pen on an open page. The couple were shown pages signed by other esteemed guests before continuing on. The King, Queen, Premier and Mrs Minns walked to the western edge of the top of the Sydney Opera House, where they posed for a photo with the Harbour and Sydney Harbour Bridge behind them.
The royals steadily made their way down the steps, not holding onto the railing, with arms lifted as they waved at the cheering public. People could be heard saying “Welcome to Australia,” and “It’s a privilege to meet you.” Camilla paused to meet with children, lowering down to their height in moments young children said they would “never forget”.
As many got the rare opportunity to shake hands with the King, one man was heard saying “It’s lovely to meet you, Your Majesty.” Young Tilly Cooper, 13, from Sydney’s Northern Beaches, was ecstatic after shaking hands with the king.
The king made a conscious effort to meet those of different abilities. One woman shouted, “I love you,” while another said, “Three cheers for the Queen.” As he swapped sides, hands emerged ready to shake those of a King. A group of three teen boys wearing Australian flags said, “It’s an honor to meet you.”
A group of students performed a vibrant dance routine to the song “Follow Your Dreams” by Ocean Lim. The King and Queen watched on, applauding the children at the end of their routine. Chants filled the air, and Premier Minns said, “Thank you for coming to Australia.”
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