A look back at the King’s final farewell to Australia.

Last week, crowds flocked to Sydney and Canberra to catch a glimpse of King Charles and Queen Camilla, and it was clear that His Majesty’s love for Australia still burns bright.

The whirlwind tour focused on Charles’ cancer treatment, with the royal couple packing enough for three days before heading to Samoa.

Despite the monarch’s cheerful mood, concerns for Charles’ health remained.

He decided to watch the King Charles III Stakes race on the sofa at Admiralty House in Sydney instead of visiting Everest at the Royal Randwick Racecourse. It was also alleged that Charles’s motorcade was followed from time to time by an ambulance, with a doctor by his side at all times.

A source at Charles and Camilla’s October 22 performance at Circular Quay said that New idea: “The king was followed by a man with a large first aid kit.”

These worrying signs have led some to predict that the tour, which was Charles’ 17th visit in an official capacity, could be his last.

“Even without cancer treatment, the trip is tiring for Charles and Camilla at their age,” notes one insider.

“The King may not admit it, but this may have been his last farewell to the country he loves so much.”

With that in mind, Charles, who turns 76 next month, and Camilla, 77, were determined to enjoy every second of their time with the Australian public.

A particularly poignant moment occurred at the Australian War Memorial in Canberra. Their Majesties laid flowers at the Tomb of the Unknown Australian Soldier before viewing the poppies attached to the Scroll of Honour.

Charles also spent time at the National Aboriginal Center of Excellence in Redfern, where he was embraced by Aboriginal elder Uncle James Michael “Widdy” Welsh – a member of the Stolen Generation.

“He extended his hand (to shake)… I (told) him I was more of a hugger. He said, ‘Hugs are good!’” Uncle James later shared.

There were moments of levity for Charles and Camilla, who reunited at a community barbecue in Parramatta and cooked up a sausage sizzle. Camilla couldn’t stop herself from waving the tongs at her husband as he turned over the driftwood.

Very soon the tour ended with a tour of the Navy under the shadow of the Sydney Opera House. Perhaps wondering if they would one day return, Charles and Camilla enjoyed the crowds, glittering views and waving Australian flags before retiring to Admiralty House for a well-earned rest.

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