Thousands of people were out on the streets of Sydney on Tuesday, excited to catch a glimpse of King Charles and Queen Camilla, with the iconic Opera House as the backdrop in the late afternoon sun. For Buckingham Palace, this marked the perfect conclusion to the royal tour of Australia. The visuals were positive, despite a headline-grabbing protest in Canberra the day before, the public sentiment in Sydney was supportive. The successful completion of this trip, leading to a heartfelt farewell, must have been a huge relief for royal aides. Back in February, it seemed unlikely that this tour would take place as the King was battling cancer and undergoing treatment. However, with medical advice, adjustments were made to the schedule allowing the visit to proceed. The trip has been shorter than planned, with events organized to avoid early mornings and late nights. Nevertheless, it has been a busy schedule for the King and Queen, with various engagements including visits to different sites and meetings with cancer researchers. The King’s Foundation also launched its Australian branch during this visit, expanding its charitable work. Despite the diverse events and demanding crowds, the King has managed well, not showing any signs of his health challenges. The protest in Canberra was expected, given the King’s role as head of state and the ongoing debate about Australia’s constitutional arrangements. Although there is underlying republican sentiment, it has not significantly surfaced during this trip, apart from the disruption in Parliament. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, a supporter of a republic, has warmly welcomed the King and Queen, emphasizing the evolving nature of Australia’s relationship with the crown.
