The Prince of Wales and the Duchess of Cornwall visited Sydney during their whirlwind tour of Papua New Guinea, Australia and New Zealand.
Excited crowds in Sydney gathered to see the Prince of Wales and the Duchess of Cornwall during their one-day visit as the Queen’s representatives for the Diamond Jubilee on Friday, 9 November 2012.
Some had arrived early at the Museum of Contemporary Art to “bags” really good spots to see the Prince, to shake hands and even talk to him. Australian Monarchist League (AML) members handed out flags and leaflets before Prince Charles’ arrival.
A large ship, the Pacific Jewel, was berthed nearby at the Overseas Passenger Terminal with a huge banner, “Royal Suite available”, which had attracted a few comments.
Prince Charles was visiting to promote the Australian Wool Industry, as he is the Patron of Campaign For Wool. Ironically, it was the Prince’s ancestor, George III, who had helped kick-start the Australian Wool Industry during the early 19th Century. (Wool pioneer John Macarthur had bought some sheep from the royal flock at Kew.)
He received a warm and enthusiastic welcome from the crowd, as he shook hands and spoke to many Australians before he was escorted inside. For many, this was a highlight and moments they would never forget.
The crowds remained until the Prince emerged, and again loudly cheered as he shook more well-wishers’ hands. Prince Charles was escorted to his next official engagement.
The Duchess of Cornwall was having lunch at the Women of the World reception at Government House, after she was appointed the Colonel-in-Chief of the Royal Australian Corps of Military Police at the Victoria Barracks.
Apparently, according to a source, the Duchess had arrived early at Government House, where six women waited outside in the pouring rain and hail. They were soaked, as their umbrellas had provided very little protection from the deluge.
The downpour set off an alarm in the Green Room, so the fire brigade were on their way, as a precaution.
The weather had cleared up by the time the Duchess left around 2.30 pm.
So it was off to the Opera House to “bags” another good spot to see the royal couple when they arrived for a Diamond Jubilee Celebration at the Opera House. This time it was at the end of the red (or rather, pink) carpet leading up from the Man O’War Steps Wharf. I met up with some of the ladies from Government House and fellow monarchists from the Museum of Contemporary Art.
We watched as the red carpet was rolled out and secured with heavy-duty double-sided tape, so it wouldn’t blow away and to prevent people from tripping over.
Both the Prince of Wales and the Duchess of Cornwall arrived by the Admiral’s barge for another enthusiastic greeting from well-wishers, especially those who welcomed the Duchess of Cornwall to Australia. The Duchess thanked the crowd for their warm wishes as she also shook hands with several people near the Man O’War Steps, before they were escorted inside the Opera House.
The royal couple stayed at Admiralty House, before departing for Canberra on Saturday, 10 November.
Visit Flickr to see more photos of the Royal Visit to Sydney.
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