Royal Visit Sparks Reflection on History and Tradition, Drawing Thousands to Canberra

CANBERRA, Australia—Despite the scorching sun in Canberra, over 4,000 Australians gathered to get a glimpse of King Charles III and Queen Camilla.
Canberrans at the Australian War Memorial spoke to The Epoch Times on what drew them to see the royals.
Jimmy, a retired Canberran, shared his thoughts on the royal family’s significance.
“I come to see all the people looking at the Royal Family,” he said.
When asked about the debate to cut ties with the monarchy, he replied, “The monarchy is history, and that’s all. I don’t think it’s really important, but it should stay.”
Raymond Plecker from North Canberra also shared his excitement, explaining, “I just think it’s incredible. With his [Charles’] health, he’s still traveling and coming out here. I figured the least I could do is come out as well, just to see him. I’ve never seen a king or a queen before.”
“I don’t actually know why it’s so popular. I think it’s probably more to do with the royals themselves—how they hold themselves and the like. There could be an argument about their relevance in Great Britain, but I still think it’s something we cling to in terms of our heritage and history.”
The royal couple visited the Australian War Memorial around 12:30 p.m., where they laid a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Australian Soldier.
Accompanied by a floral tribute, Their Majesties also placed poppies on the Roll of Honour, honouring those who have served the nation.
Following the ceremony, the royal couple greeted members of the public during a walk to the For Our Country memorial, which recognises the military contributions of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
While at the memorial, the king and queen walked past the original Lone Pine tree planted in 1934 by Prince Henry, the duke of gloucester, and a sapling planted by Prince William on Anzac Day in 2014, propagated from the same tree.
Later in a statement, Matt Anderson, director of the Australian War Memorial, remarked, “The king and queen’s visit is a powerful reminder of the value they attach to the service of Australia’s military and peacekeeping personnel across many decades and of the Memorial’s mission to lead remembrance and understanding of the wartime experience of all Australians.”