Australia Tour & New Music Release | OCR
King Frederik X and Queen Mary of Denmark concluded the first stage of their Australian tour Sunday with a visit to Uluru, echoing a similar journey undertaken by the Prince and Princess of Wales in 1983. The six-day state visit, which began Saturday, aims to strengthen trade relationships between the two nations, with stops planned in Canberra, Melbourne, and Hobart, according to reports from The Guardian.
The royal couple’s arrival in Australia’s red centre coincided with a separate, upcoming visit from Prince Harry and Meghan, Duchess of Sussex, scheduled for mid-April. However, the nature of the Sussexes’ trip differs significantly, focusing on private engagements, business ventures, and philanthropic activities. This distinction has drawn scrutiny from royal commentators.
Royal expert Chris Riches characterized the Sussexes’ planned tour as potentially ill-timed, suggesting they may encounter a less welcoming reception than anticipated. “Prince Harry and Meghan Markle reckon they will get a red carpet as ‘welcomed Royals’ when they arrive Down Under, but they could be heading into the hornets’ nest – covered in sticky honey,” Riches told the Mirror, as reported by AOL. The expert’s comments stem from ongoing debate in Australia regarding the country’s continued membership in the Commonwealth and potential changes to the line of succession, specifically concerning Prince Andrew.
Australia’s Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has indicated support for plans to remove Prince Andrew from the line of succession, a move that Riches believes adds a layer of complexity to the Sussexes’ visit. The timing follows allegations involving Prince Andrew and a broader reassessment of the monarchy’s standing in Australia, according to reporting in the Express.
A former royal butler, Grant Harrold, noted the Palace will be “watching closely” the Sussexes’ Australian engagements. Harrold, who served King Charles III between 2004 and 2011, suggested the trip could be a strategic move for the couple to solidify their presence in a key Commonwealth nation. “It’s a very important country to the UK as the King is still the Head of State,” Harrold told JoeFortune, as reported by the Express. He described the visit as akin to a “celebrity royal tour.”
The Danish royals’ visit, in contrast, is a state-sponsored event designed to bolster diplomatic and economic ties. Queen Mary expressed her pleasure at returning to Australia during a photo opportunity at Uluru, stating, “We’ve been so much looking forward to the visit, and to start the visit here in the centre of Australia is quite something.”
The Australian government has not yet commented on the logistical arrangements or security protocols for the Sussexes’ mid-April visit. The Palace has as well remained silent on the matter.