Royal news live: King Charles jokes about ‘sands of time’ as he gifts hourglass to local Australian parliament
The visit is King Charles’s first tour of Australia as king
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King Charles joked about the “sands of time” as he presented an hourglass to a local Australian parliament which was celebrating its 200th anniversary.
The King was also present at the Legislative Council of New South Wales’ 150th anniversary in 1974.
He gifted the timepiece - which sits on a cedar base made from the trees from the grounds of his Highgrove home - and suggested it could be used as a “speech timer” for the parliament.
“Democratic systems must evolve, of course, to remain fit for purpose, but they are, nevertheless, essentially sound systems, as I said in this building 50 years ago,” he told the council.
“With the sands of time encouraging brevity, it just remains for me to say what a great joy it is to come to Australia for the first time as Sovereign, and to renew a love of this country and its people which I have cherished for so long.”
Meanwhile, Charles was presented with multiple honorary ranks in Australia’s armed forces within hours of arriving for his first visit down under as King.
Royal family anticipates King Charles’s first visit to Australia as monarch
The royal family has anticipated King Charles’s upcoming visit to Australia on Friday – his first as a reigning monarch.
An official statement read: “70 years ago, in 1954, Queen Elizabeth II became the first reigning British Sovereign to visit Australia.
“Tomorrow, The King will arrive for his own first visit as Sovereign, accompanied by Queen Camilla.
“During the visit, The King will follow in his mother’s footsteps - seven decades on - by addressing Parliament in Canberra.”
The statement was accompanied by footage from the late Queen’s visit, which showed the enormous crowds that had gathered to welcome her and Prince Philip to Australia.
70 years ago, in 1954, Queen Elizabeth II became the first reigning British Sovereign to visit Australia. 🇦🇺
— The Royal Family (@RoyalFamily) October 17, 2024
Tomorrow, The King will arrive for his own first visit as Sovereign, accompanied by Queen Camilla.
During the visit, The King will follow in his mother’s footsteps -… pic.twitter.com/cbXPtjAlKp
Prince Harry rides waves as he shows off surfing skills in California
The Duke of Sussex tried his hand at riding waves at a “surf ranch” in California, video posted on Wednesday, 16 October shows.
Prince Harry navigated the waters at Kelly Slater’s facility in Leemore, which is more than 100 miles from the sea.
Professional surfer Raimana Van Bastolaer posted footage of the royal’s endeavours on his Instagram account.
Van Bastolaer said: “In Tahiti, we still call you Prince Harry.
“But at Surf Ranch, it’s my brother. It was an honour to have you surf with me and Kelly Slater.”
Prince Harry rides waves as he shows off surfing skills in California
The Duke of Sussex tried his hand at riding waves at a “surf ranch” in California, video posted on Wednesday, 16 October shows. Prince Harry navigated the waters at Kelly Slater’s facility in Leemore, which is more than 100 miles from the sea. Professional surfer Raimana Van Bastolaer posted footage of the royal’s endeavours on his Instagram account. Van Bastolaer said: “In Tahiti, we still call you Prince Harry. “But at Surf Ranch, it’s my brother. It was an honour to have you surf with me and Kelly Slater.”
Diana’s nieces support Prince William in London
Prince William was supported by the late Princess Diana’s nieces at last night’s Centrepoint Awards in London.
Lady Kitty Spencer, Lady Amelia Spencer and Lady Eliza Spencer were all in attendance at the event, which recognised the achievements of young people working to help the homeless.
Kitty, Amelia and Eliza are all the daughters of Earl Spencer, 64, Diana’s younger brother.
William, who has also recently launched his own Homewards project to tackle homelessness, has been a patron of the charity since 2005.
Centrepoint provides support and accommodation to people aged 18 to 25 who are experiencing homelessness in the UK.
Prince William celebrates Centrepoint Award winners
Prince William has praised the winners of the Centrepoint Awards following last night’s ceremony in London.
The charity, of which William, 42, is a patron, provides support and accommodation to young people aged 18 to 25 who are affected by homelessness.
The awards recognised those making notable contributions in this area.
Taking to the official Kensington Palace Twitter/X account, the heir to the throne wrote: “The @centrepointuk Award winners and finalists have overcome so much and achieved incredible things in leadership, education and their communities. Congratulations to you all!”
The @centrepointuk Award winners and finalists have overcome so much and achieved incredible things in leadership, education and their communities.
— The Prince and Princess of Wales (@KensingtonRoyal) October 16, 2024
Congratulations to you all! pic.twitter.com/mC7qUAfXFK
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