Australians have bid farewell to King Charles and Queen Camilla after the pair jetted off from Sydney Airport on Wednesday, October 23, marking the end of their whirlwind tour.
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 around midday.
The couple will now make their way to Samoa for a biannual Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting.
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 proceeding 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.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said the visit, King Charles’ first to Australia since ascending the throne, was historic for the nation.
“It was an honour to welcome The King and Queen to Australia for this historic visit, the first by a Sovereign since Her late Majesty Queen Elizabeth II in 2011,” he said following their visit.
“Their Majesties met a range of extraordinary Australians who demonstrated the best of our great country.
“I look forward to meeting The King again in Samoa for the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting.”
-with AAP.