CHARLES: I LOVE AUSTRALIA
PRINCE Charles has spoken of his love for Australia and the Australian people as he came to the end of his sevenday tour Down Under.
The heir to the throne said he was “really touched” by the crowds who had come out to greet him in cities and towns across Australia, as well as the South Pacific island nation of Vanuatu.
“I love Australia and Australians and I love coming here,” he said. “I was really touched by the welcome from the crowds here and in Vanuatu.”
Charles has visited Brisbane and Cairns on his tour, has learned about the traditions of the indigenous communities in Gove, and opened the Gold Coast Commonwealth Games on behalf of the Queen.
He also took a day trip to Vanuatu, accompanied by Julie Bishop, where thousands of people lined the streets to greet him.
His trip ended in Darwin yesterday, where Charles laid a wreath at the Darwin Cenotaph before visiting the base of NORFORCE (NorthWest Mobile Force), an infantry regiment of the Australian Army Reserve. There he spoke to soldiers who had worked with Prince Harry at the regiment during his four-week secondment with the Australian military in 2015.
Charles finished his tour with a reception at Darwin’s Government House, and placed a message in a time capsule that will be opened in 30 years. The tour came as the future of the monarchy in Australia remains a topic of debate.