King Charles and Queen Camilla have been making the most of their extensive trip to Australia, engaging in a flurry of activities since their arrival last Friday. The royal duo has been warmly received by officials and thousands of admirers in both Sydney and Canberra.
The visit marked Charles’ inaugural trip to Australia as King, culminating earlier this week with a grand event at the iconic Sydney Opera House. Here, the couple mingled with the throngs of people who had gathered to welcome them before conducting a Navy fleet review and boarding the Admiral Hudson vessel.
Following a brief boat ride, they returned to Admiralty House, their temporary residence. The day was filled with numerous individual engagements for each, including a traditional Aussie barbecue, the Mirror reports.
As they ascended the steps back to Admiralty House, it appeared that the hectic schedule had taken a toll on Camilla, particularly her feet. In a move many can relate to, she ascended the stairs barefoot, carrying her heels in hand.
The 77-year-old had been sporting a pair of petite heels throughout the day, undoubtedly leading to sore feet after standing under the hot Sydney sun. Soon after, the couple departed Sydney, setting course for Samoa for the second leg of their Autumn tour.
King Charles and Queen Camilla were greeted with a ceremonial welcome upon their arrival in Samoa for a four-day state visit. The royal couple were there to attend the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting in the Polynesian nation.
As head of the Commonwealth, Charles will formally open the global summit today (Friday), although he will not participate in the informal discussions between leaders, including Keir Starmer, which take place behind closed doors without advisers or aides.
Before their arrival, the couple expressed their excitement on social media, posting a message in which they said: “As we head towards Apia, we can’t wait to visit Samoa for the first time together and to experience the warmth of ancient traditions with your remarkable people. Feiloa’i ma le manuia! – Charles R and Camilla R.”
The message, which included a few words in Samoan roughly translating to “Looking forward to meeting the Samoan people”, was signed off by the couple. Upon their arrival at Faleolo International Airport, they were met by a delegation of dignitaries, including Samoan Prime Minister Afioga Fiame Naomi Mata’afa and Foreign Secretary David Lammy.
During their meeting, world leaders will elect the new Commonwealth secretary-general. All three candidates in the running have advocated for reparations to countries that were impacted by slavery and colonialism.
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