King Charles begins a significant six-day tour of Australia today, marking his first official visit to the continent as king. This trip is particularly noteworthy as it represents his 17th visit since his first trip as a teenager in 1966, a journey that included moments of education, a famous seaside encounter, and a brush with danger.
King Charles’s inaugural visit to Australia was at the age of 17 when he attended Timbertop, a remote alpine school in Victoria. This experience provided a stark contrast to his formal education in Scotland. At Timbertop, he participated in log chopping for firewood and endured strenuous hikes through the woods. Reflecting on his time there, he later remarked, “While I was here, I had the Pommy bits bashed off me,” describing it as “by far the best part” of his education. Notably, Timbertop has a rich history, with media mogul Rupert Murdoch and former British Prime Minister Boris Johnson among its notable alumni.
During a royal tour in 1979, Charles made headlines when he dived into the surf while visiting Western Australia. As he enjoyed the beach, he was unexpectedly kissed on the cheek by a bikini-clad model, resulting in an iconic photograph that helped reshape his public image. On a previous tour, he had also braved the chilly waters at Bondi Beach, humorously commenting, “By gee, it’s bloody cold. Reminds me of home.”
In a rare interview during his 1977 visit, Charles had a memorable exchange with music television host Molly Meldrum. When Meldrum mentioned seeing “your mum” in London, Charles coldly responded, “Are you referring to Her Majesty the Queen?” This moment has since been preserved in Australia’s national film archive, highlighting the prince’s reticence in discussing his royal family.
King Charles returned to Australia in 1983 with his then-wife, Diana, who quickly captivated the public as the “people’s princess.” The couple’s visit included iconic stops, such as the Sydney Opera House, where they drew crowds of adoring fans. Notably, Diana broke royal protocol by bringing their infant son, William, along for the tour. Their spirited dance at the Wentworth Hotel in Sydney has since inspired a poignant scene in the popular series The Crown.
A chilling moment occurred during Charles’s 1994 speech at a Sydney harborside event when two gunshots rang out. As security apprehended the assailant, a 23-year-old human rights protester attempting a mock assassination to draw attention to asylum seeker issues, Charles appeared relatively unfazed, adjusting his cufflinks during the chaos. This incident highlighted the unpredictable nature of royal engagements.
As King Charles embarks on this latest chapter in his Australian journey, his unique history with the country remains an enduring testament to the evolving relationship between the British monarchy and the Commonwealth.
