King Charles and Queen Camilla participated in a Sunday church service in Sydney, marking the first day of their official engagements during their tour of Australia. This visit holds particular significance, as it is King Charles’ inaugural trip to the country since assuming the role of head of state in September 2022. It also represents his most extensive travel since beginning cancer treatment in February of this year.
The royal couple’s six-day tour of the Commonwealth nation will encompass meetings with political and community leaders, alongside celebrations of Australia’s rich cultural heritage and its diverse population. The Sunday service was held at St Thomas’ Anglican Church in northern Sydney and officiated by the Archbishop of Sydney, the Most Reverend Kanishka Raffel. After the service, the King and Queen greeted a select group of well-wishers who had gathered outside the church. Many had queued for hours for the chance to meet the royal couple, offering flowers or capturing a quick photograph during the brief exchanges.
One of those present, Lyn Tarbuck, attended the event with her husband Bob, a known Republican, and their two King Charles spaniels. Speaking on the monarchy’s role, she remarked, “I believe the monarchy offers support—if Australia faces difficulties, they will come to our aid. We are a large country but with a relatively small population, so any additional support is always beneficial.” Another attendee, Roslyn Durie, who had previously seen Queen Elizabeth during her visit to Australia in 1980, expressed deep emotion after receiving what she described as “a good, firm handshake” from King Charles.
Also present were Sandra Hall and her husband Peter, who were equally thrilled to meet the royal couple. Ms. Hall shared her interaction, noting that she first welcomed Queen Camilla to Sydney and then engaged in a light-hearted conversation with King Charles about the weather. “I mentioned how beautiful the sunny day was, and he responded with, ‘It’s always sunny in Sydney,’” she recalled.
However, the event was not without controversy. Outside the church, a group of approximately 20 protesters gathered, carrying banners that called for decolonization and waving Aboriginal and Palestinian flags. Wayne Wharton, an Indigenous Kooma activist from Brisbane, used the opportunity to challenge the monarchy’s role in Australia. Addressing the King directly, Wharton accused the British Crown of committing “crimes against the sovereign nations of this country” and denounced what he described as the illegal occupation of Australia. Wharton initially used a megaphone to amplify his message, but police instructed him to cease or risk a fine.
In addition to attending the church service, King Charles marked the bicentenary of the upper house of New South Wales’ state parliament on Sunday by presenting a ceremonial hourglass. During this formal occasion, the King delivered a speech in which he expressed his “great joy” at visiting Australia as its sovereign, highlighting his long-standing affection for the country and its people.
The official residence of the Governor-General of Australia, Admiralty House, hosted a photo shoot of the royal couple earlier in their visit. The King and Queen were said to be moved by the display of the Sydney Opera House, which was illuminated with projections of their images in honor of their visit.
The King’s tour has also coincided with his appointment to honorary ranks within the Australian Defence Force. He now holds the titles of Admiral of the Fleet, Field Marshal, and Marshal of the Royal Australian Air Force. Furthermore, the Association of Commonwealth Universities, of which King Charles is a patron, announced the launch of the King’s Commonwealth Fellowship programme. This initiative seeks to address critical economic, social, and environmental challenges faced by small island developing states, with the King underscoring the importance of international cooperation to confront these pressing issues.
As part of his itinerary, King Charles is expected to meet two Australian researchers, Georgina Long and Richard Scolyer, who have been at the forefront of melanoma research—a particularly prevalent form of cancer in Australia. Environmental projects and a naval review in Sydney Harbour are also on the agenda during the royal tour.
Although a formal reception in Canberra is scheduled for Monday to welcome the King, it has been noted that the six premiers of Australia’s states will not be in attendance due to scheduling conflicts. The King is also set to address the Australian parliament during his time in the capital.
Following the Australian leg of the tour, the King and Queen will travel to Samoa for a Commonwealth leaders’ summit. Throughout their time abroad, the King’s cancer treatment has been paused, and the royal schedule notably excludes evening engagements, state banquets, or other late-night events.
Ahead of their visit, a message from the Royal Family’s social media account expressed the couple’s excitement about returning to Australia and celebrating its vibrant cultures and communities.
