Several hundred people lined Macquarie Street to watch the King’s arrival at NSW Parliament. He stepped out of his black car wearing a beige suit and a pale-pink pocket square, and was greeted at the entrance by NSW Governor Margaret Beazley and state parliament dignitaries.
He was visiting to celebrate the 200th anniversary of the NSW Legislative Council.
King Charles and Ben Franklin. Credit: Aaron Chown
First, he was led by Upper House president Ben Franklin to a new painting in the parliament’s lobby by indigenous artist Kim Healey, which was commissioned to mark the Legislative Council’s bicentenary. It features the Southern Cross, to guide both indigenous and non-indigenous Australians. It’s the first indigenous artwork in parliament.
The king asked whether it was painted; Franklin answered in the affirmative. He then moved to the dining room, where the Premier, Chris Minns, the chief justice, Andrew Bell, and parliamentarians were waiting.
Police trumpeters played as he walked into the room. He was introduced as the King of Australia, and as someone shouted, “hooray”, one of the guests laughed.
King Charles greets fans outside parliament. Credit: Getty Images
Many of the parliamentarians held up their phones to photograph him as he walked to the lectern. He spoke to a few as he walked into the room.
“I am delighted and proud to be able to return to the parliament of NSW, in order to celebrate the occasion of your bicentenary,” King Charles said.
He drew a laugh when he reflected on his visit to the Legislative Council in 1974, and then noted that he “first came to Australia nearly 60 years ago, which was slightly worrying”.
He presented the gift of an hourglass, to time speeches. “With the sounds of time encouraging brevity” – he drew a laugh at that, too – “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.
“Thank you thank you ladies and gentlemen for making me feel so very welcome.”
After departing, he stopped for a moment to greet people in the crowd, shook hands with several of them and thanked them for their good wishes.