King Charles III and Queen Camilla land in Sydney, marking first visit by reigning king to Australia

The monarch, accompanied by his wife Queen Camilla, arrived at Sydney Airport about 8:30pm, marking the royal couple’s first royal tour to Australia since 2018.

His mother Queen Elizabeth II became the first reigning monarch to tour the country when she visited in 1954.

Among those who greeted Charles and Camilla were Governor-General Sam Mostyn, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and NSW Premier Chris Minns.

Queen Camilla was presented with a posy by 12-year-old Ky, who is living with a serious blood disorder and requested to meet Their Majesties through the Make-a-Wish Foundation, and his sister Charlotte.

A heavy shower just before Charles and Camilla’s arrival sent journalists and royal fans ducking for cover.

However, the sideways rain and soggy news crews didn’t dampen the excitement of the first reigning king’s visit to Australia.

The sails of the Sydney Opera House were also planned to be lit up with a photo montage of the monarchs’ previous visits as they flew into Australia.

However, the projections began after they had touched down, delayed by a passing cruise ship.

This visit will be a slimmed-down, five-day affair, taking into account the king’s ongoing treatment for cancer, with official engagements in Sydney and Canberra before heading to Samoa on Wednesday for the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting.

It is the first visit by a reigning monarch since 2011.