King Charles presents a special gift during his visit to Australia, as reported by Wales Online. The King gifted an hourglass, which he humorously dubbed a “speech timer,” to the parliament of New South Wales (NSW) in celebration of the 200th anniversary of its upper house. The King playfully set the sand in motion after presenting the unique timepiece. This gesture came after King Charles and Queen Camilla engaged in a series of public events during the first day of their Australian tour. They started their day by attending a church service in a north Sydney suburb.
King Charles, who had previously participated in commemorations marking the 150th anniversary of the Legislative Council in 1974, highlighted the importance of evolving democratic systems in his speech. He emphasised that democracy, when supported by wisdom and good faith, possesses the capacity for innovation, compromise, adaptability, and stability. The King underlined the significance of strong parliamentary systems in serving diverse societies and navigating ever-changing environments.
The handmade hourglass was crafted by the Goldsmiths’ Centre in London and stands on a cedar base sourced from the King’s Highgrove home. King Charles entertained the guests with a witty remark about the passing of time before expressing his joy at visiting Australia as Sovereign for the first time. Following the church service at St Thomas’ Anglican Church, the King and Queen interacted with churchgoers, exchanging greetings and receiving gifts for their grandchildren.
During the service, the Rector shared a light-hearted moment with the royal couple, and attendees expressed their excitement at welcoming King Charles and Queen Camilla. Despite a small group of protesters advocating for decolonisation, the overall atmosphere was one of warmth and enthusiasm among well-wishers who had gathered since early morning to catch a glimpse of the royals.
The Archbishop of Sydney officiated the service, which was filled with hymns and prayers, and commended the local church for hosting the royal visitors. The day concluded with the King reuniting with old friends and engaging with the public, showcasing his warmth and commitment to connecting with people from all walks of life.
Overall, King Charles’s visit to Australia was marked by meaningful interactions, thoughtful gestures, and a reaffirmation of the enduring bond between the royal family and the Australian people.