When King Charles arrived at a church in northern Sydney this morning in an extra-large motorcade with an emergency ambulance on standby, the energy from the crowd of well-wishers appeared to lift the monarch’s spirits.
His Majesty smiled and waved to hundreds of patriotic Australians, and spent a good chunk of time meeting many of them outside St Thomas’ Anglican Church following the Sunday morning service.
King Charles, 75, looked full of energy, having spent a day resting in Sydney’s Admiralty House, which I’m told was planned to keep up his stamina to endure long days of official engagements.
On Saturday, the royal couple were spotted relaxing in the grounds, which overlooks the Sydney Opera House, taking a gentle stroll – both Charles and Camilla are known for their love of walking.
King Charles takes cautious pace in Australia amid looming health concernsGettyBut spending time on the ground observing His Majesty Down Under, there are subtle signs his health issues have followed him.
The King arrived at the church service around 10:30am local time, but his final engagement appeared to be over by lunchtime.
Unless there are some unannounced visits or work that His Majesty was busying himself with this afternoon, the lighter workload suggests he could still be taking it as easy as possible to avoid damaging his cancer recovery.
Royal doctors have allowed him to pause his cancer treatment while he is touring New South Wales and Canberra, but the “workaholic” King is understood to have been urged not to push himself too far.
King Charles and Queen Camilla greeting crowds outside a church in Sydney
Reuters
Monday’s final two engagements, Private Audiences with Australia’s Governor-General, Sam Mostyn, and the Governor of New South Wales, Margaret Beazley, took place in the very residence he is staying in Australia.
In other words, not a long commute to the drawing room.
However, the King had enough energy to deliver an informal, but powerful, speech to the New South Wales Parliament House earlier today, which is celebrating the bicentenary of its Legislative Council.
The King said: “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.”
King Charles and President of the New South Wales Legislative Council, Ben Franklin, marked the Bicentenary of the New South Wales Legislative Council
Reuters
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King Charles is taking a slower pace in Australia due to his cancer diagnosis
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Despite his health battles, the King clearly has a deep affection for the country where he reigns as Head of State and wanted to come here in person to immerse himself in different communities.
Busier days lie ahead on this royal tour, and it appears His Majesty is walking before he starts running.
Perhaps the King is familiar with the fable “The Tortoise and the Hare”, and its famous moral: “Slow and steady wins the race.”