From
Send to

The King set to touchdown in Australia amid republican sentiments

Oct. 18, 2024 - 10:10 By ABC NEWS (Australia)

A young prince put to work in the Australian bush. Charles was 17 when he first visited in 1966. He was an exchange student for six months in Victoria. The next year duty called him back. Newsreader: "It is feared that the Prime Minister has drowned." Charles was sent to the memorial service for Harold Holt. “This is the first time 19-year-old Prince Charles, who is now leaving the aircraft, as the heir to the throne, has represented the Queen at an official engagement." The prince flew in five times, in the '70s. Even stopping by Countdown. “With the cooperation of Mr Miller, and the Australian... oh sorry.” "We had a talk with Mr Harry Miller about the ... oh no." The prince reassuring 'Molly' Meldrum. "It happens to everybody. Do you not have one of these teleprompters? No" A dip in Perth led to this daring kiss. Before his next visit in 1983, as a married man, with Princess Diana and baby William. "More than 2000 people turned out at Alice Springs Airport trying to get a glimpse of the Prince and Princess of Wales." "There's a wonderful shot of the royal couple I must say." The royals made their last trip together in 1988, for Bicentenary celebrations. After they split, the prince returned solo in 1994. After separating from Diana, the Prince of Wales returned solo in 1994. And was targeted by a refugee protester. “Prince Charles was unhurt. The man leaping onto the stage fired blanks from a starting pistol." The prince addressed the republican debate. "This is something only you, the Australian people, can decide." Charles' next visit was in 2005, the year he married Camilla, who joined him in 2012. “It is also my first trip to Australia” They returned for Remembrance Day in 2015. Then, most recently in 2018 when the Prince opened the Gold Coast Commonwealth Games on behalf of his mother. Now he returns as sovereign, the role he's prepared for his entire life. Visiting the sunburnt country as King of Australia.