Wanting to meet King Charles and Queen Camilla while they’re in Australia in October 2024?
Here’s all the details you need to know, as well as a few essential ‘rules’ you’ll need to know if you’re planning on meeting Charles and Camilla.
How to meet King Charles and Queen Camilla while they’re in Australia in 2024?
Australian royalists will have three opportunities to meet the King and Queen while they’re Down Under:
Monday, October 21, 2024 – Australian War Memorial, Canberra
King Charles and Queen Camilla will meet with members of the public as they make their way to the For Our Country memorial at 12.35pm on October 21. If you’re wanting to meet them there, you’ll have to arrive before 11.45am to allow for road closures and security screening.
Monday, October 21, 2024 – Parliament House, Canberra
King Charles and Queen Camilla will meet with members of the public on the Parliament House forecourt at 4.20pm on October 21. If you’re wanting to meet them there, you’ll have to arrive before 12.10pm to allow for road closures and security screening.
Tuesday, October 22, 2024 – Sydney Opera House, Sydney
King Charles and Queen Camilla will meet with members of the public on the Opera House forecourt at 2.10pm on October 22. If you’re wanting to meet them there, the entry point to the Sydney Opera House precinct will open from 3.00pm on the day.
How do I greet royalty?
According to the British royal family’s official website, when it comes to meeting the King and Queen, “there are no obligatory codes of behaviour – just courtesy”.
However, if you wish to observe the traditional forms of greeting a royal, they are as follows:
- For men, give a slight neck bow.
- For women, give a small curtsy.
- For everyone, initially address Charles as ‘Your Majesty’ and subsequently as ‘Sir’, and initially address Camilla as ‘Your Majesty’ and subsequently as ‘Ma’am’.
Can I give King Charles and Queen Camilla a present?
Yes, you can give Charles and/or Camilla a present if and when you meet them – but, as with anything to do with the royal family, there are specific protocols to follow.
Gifts should be appropriate, modest, non-commercial and not overly personal.
Typically, gifts should reflect local culture, heritage, or craftsmanship if presented during official engagements or state visits.
It’s advisable to avoid extravagant or expensive items, as royal family members may be required to register or even decline such gifts.
The royal family often donates gifts to charities or keeps them as part of the Royal Collection, depending on the nature of the item. For more information, head to the official Palace gift policy.
What shouldn’t I do in front of royalty?
There are a few things etiquette-wise that you should never do when meeting royalty.
Don’t initiate physical contact: It is considered improper to touch a royal unless they initiate contact, such as offering a handshake. Hugging or other forms of casual physical interaction are discouraged unless invited by the royal family member.
Don’t speak unless spoken to: In formal settings, it’s customary to wait for the royal to address you before engaging in conversation. Initiating conversation without being prompted can be seen as a breach of protocol.
Don’t turn your back on them: Turning your back on a royal, especially while they are still present in the room, can be considered disrespectful in formal circumstances. It’s polite to wait for them to depart first.
Don’t ask for autographs: Royals do not sign autographs. As for selfies, it used to be considered improper to ask for them but several royals (Charles and Camilla included) have happily taken selfies in recent years; use your best judgement.
Don’t be overly casual in dress or behaviour: When meeting royalty, conservative and formal attire is expected, and overly casual language or behaviour may be seen as disrespectful.
