For royal observers, King Charles and Queen Camilla’s recent tour of Australia was a smashing success. The royal couple were warmly received by crowds, despite a headline-grabbing protest in Canberra and performed well during a very busy schedule.
One royal insider who isn’t surprised by the success of the royal tour is Camilla’s son Tom Parker Bowles who recently shared his thoughts with People magazine amid concerns for the King’s health after it was revealed that Charles, 75 has paused his medical treatment to undertake the tour of Australia and Samoa.
“The King is strong,” Parker Bowles said.
“He is doing what he can. He’s following the advice of his doctors. Fingers crossed, touch wood.
“He’s a magnificent king.”
Fans of the King will no doubt be reassured by these words. Parker Bowles also praised his mother for her unwavering support during this challenging time for the Monarchy.
“It’s a terrifying disease, and when someone close to you gets it in whatever capacity, it’s a very worrying thing,” he added.
“But my mother is strong as well. She supports him in every way.
“I think it’s wonderful to have someone you love by your side.”
It was a jam-packed visit for the Monarchs which included a visit to Parliament House and the War Memorial in Canberra.
A reception for the couple made global headlines when Senator Lidia Thorpe interrupted the proceedings to declare “you are not my king” before being escorted out of the building.
In Sydney, visits to the National Centre of Indigenous Excellence, a food bank, a social housing project, a literacy initiative, a community barbecue, a meeting with two leading cancer researchers and a naval review dominated their itinerary.
However, the royals saved the best for last with a visit to the Sydney Opera House on Tuesday, October 22, where thousands of people queued for almost a kilometre to get a glimpse of the royals during the biggest public event of their trip.
King Charles shook the hands of many of those in attendance as a group sang God Save The King, while Queen Camilla was spotted having a quick chat with several children.
The pair signed the guest book at the Sydney Opera House before making their way to the harbour to review the naval fleet.
Charles and Queen Camilla then jetted off from Sydney Airport on Wednesday, October 23, marking the end of their whirlwind tour of Australia.
Alongside NSW Deputy Premier Prue Car, Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke, Governor-General Sam Mostyn and NSW Governor Margaret Beazley, a small crowd gathered to see the royal couple off as Charles and Camilla waved from the steps of a Royal Australian Air Force jet before departing.
The couple then made their way to Samoa for a biannual Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting.