King Charles and Queen Camilla given warm welcome at intimate Sunday morning church service in Sydney
King Charles III and Queen Camilla were greeted by warm weather as they made their first public appearance in Australia during an intimate Sunday morning service at St Thomas’ Anglican Church in northern Sydney.
Upon arrival, the royal couple were greeted by crowds that wrapped around the church’s property, hoping to catch a glimpse of them.
As Charles and Camilla made their way to the front of church, children waving Australian flags cheered and shook hands with the couple.
The queen, wearing a pale green Anna Valentine dress and straw hat, was given flowers by the church minister’s wife, Ellie Mantle, as she proceeded into the church.
Once inside, the royal couple were bathed in sunlight that poured through the door and stained glass windows. Dozens of phones pointed in their direction, while excited whispers echoed through the room.
Despite the important guests, Sunday’s service was restricted to the local congregation, with only a few special guests allowed to attend, such as Australia’s Governor-General and the Governor of New South Wales Margaret Beazley.
Bishop Christopher Edwards delivered a prayer, asking for the protection of the king and queen, along with a hope the upcoming Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting in Samoa would be prosperous.
He also asked for world peace and an end to wars.
The service also featured serval hymn, prayers and several readings from the Old and New Testaments (Isaiah 52:13-53:12 and Acts 8:26-40).
Finally, the church’s minister Michael Mantle thanked the king and queen for their attendance and said it was an honour to host them.
Sunday’s service was filled with history.
Upon arrival at the church, Charles passed by the corner stone of the church that was unveiled in 1881 by his great-grandfather King George V.
Charles and Camilla also signed two bibles in black pen, including one that belonged to Australia’s first minister, Richard Johnson, who was also the Chaplin on the first fleet.
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