King Charles and Camilla visit Canberra

King Charles and Queen Camilla made their first visit to Canberra, Australia's capital, in nearly a decade on October 21, 2024. The royal couple's one-day tour included several significant stops and interactions with the public.

Their first engagement was at the Australian War Memorial, where they were welcomed by Governor-General Sam Mostyn and Australian War Memorial Council chair, Kim Beazley. The monarchs laid a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Australian Soldier and observed the Last Post ceremony. They also visited the "For our Country" memorial, which honors Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander military service.

Thousands of enthusiastic onlookers gathered to greet the royal couple. King Charles, deviating from the official schedule, spent over 30 minutes interacting with the crowd, shaking hands and receiving well-wishes.

The royal itinerary also included visits to the Parliament, where they were scheduled to meet senior ministers, members of the judiciary, and military officials. Additionally, they planned to tour the National Bushfire Behaviour Research Laboratory.

While the majority of the crowd was welcoming, a small group of about two dozen Indigenous protesters gathered outside the War Memorial, chanting "always was, always will be Aboriginal land." Police ensured the protesters remained in a designated area, separate from the main crowd.

The visit highlighted the continued interest in the royal family among many Australians, while also showcasing the complex relationship between the monarchy and Indigenous peoples in Australia. The royal couple's engagements focused on themes of national significance, including military service, governance, and scientific research.

This brief but busy tour demonstrated the royal family's ongoing commitment to their role in Australia, balancing traditional ceremonial duties with efforts to engage directly with the public.