King Charles III, Queen Camila: Royals meet Indigenous elders at National Centre for Indigenous Excellence
King Charles has been greeted by traditional dancers and met with key Indigenous elders in Sydney on his last full day in the country.
A small crowd gathered outside the National Centre for Indigenous Excellence in Redfern on Tuesday to meet the royal, while Queen Camilla was at another engagement.
On arrival they were greeted by National Indigenous Australians Agency chief executive Jody Broun and regional manager Leon Donovan before being welcomed with a smoking ceremony in the courtyard.
“We’ve got stories to tell and I think you witnessed that story yesterday,” Metropolitan Local Aboriginal Land Council chairman Allan Murray said.
“Welcome to Gadigal land.”
Camera IconLeon Donovan (L), a member of the Indigenous community, speaks with King Charles III during a visit to the National Centre for Indigenous Excellence. Credit: Pool/Getty Images
Indigenous Senator Lidia Thorpe confronted the King on Monday during a welcome reception at Parliament House on Monday, before being kicked out.
“You are not our king. You are not sovereign,” she shouted.
Chants could be heard from outside the centre on Tuesday including “You’re on stolen land” and “No pride in genocide”.
The King was then led to meet Beryl Booth, who served his majesty 40 years earlier during another Australian tour.
This time, Aunty Beryl served the king kangaroo pies, before he was rushed off to the sports hall.
She said she had been taught respect and was looking forward to meeting the king.
“I’m honoured to have him here because I grew up with respect,” she said before his arrival.
The King was then greeted by traditional Indigenous dancers from Brolga Dance Academy and the Mui Mui Bedlam dance group alongside a series of NICE staff.
He then went into a private meeting with key Indigenous Elders.
The royal couple will attend a barbecue in Parramatta for lunch before meeting the public at the Sydney Opera House on Tuesday afternoon.
The NSW Police Inspector who was the hero of the Bondi stabbings will be one of the “inspiring Australians” introduced to the King and Queen at the BBQ.
Camera IconQueen Camilla waves as she arrives for her visit to Refettorio OzHarvest. Credit: Chris Jackson/Getty Images
Inspector Amy Scott tracked down, confronted and fatally shot Westfield Bondi Junction stabber Joel Cauchi, who killed six people and injured 12 at the popular shopping centre in mid-April. She has been credited with saving many lives that day.
Their majesties will also meet Noemie Fox, who won gold in kayak cross in Paris, Indigenous entertainer Casey Donovan, writer, artist and comedian Anh Do, and Paralympian swimmer Timothy Hodge. The emcee will be chef Adam Liaw.
The Crescent at Parramatta Park has been turned into a makeshift showground for the lunch event, with food trucks and market stalls. There will be displays of sheepdogs and backyard cricket.
Local produce will be showcased, and the sparkling barbecues will be manned by Surf Lifesavers.
The royals are set to fly out on Wednesday morning.
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