On Sunday, The King made a return to the Legislative Council of New South Wales decades after first visiting, highlighting his history with Australia. 

King Charles visited the Legislative Council on Sunday; the council is celebrating its 200th anniversary. In 1974, the then-Prince of Wales visited to mark the 150th anniversary. 

To mark this milestone anniversary, His Majesty presented the council with an hourglass that he jokingly suggested be used as a speech timer. 

In his speech to the legislative assembly, The King spoke of the importance of democracy, saying ”Democratic systems must evolve, of course, to remain fit for purpose, but they are, nevertheless, essentially sound systems, as I said in this building 50 years ago.”

His insistence on democracy is notable, as republicans in Australia have continued to call for another referendum to begin the process of abolishing the monarchy in Australia and have labelled this tour as a farewell tour for the monarchy. 

However, sources close to the king have shared that Charles believes that the decision is fully up to the people of Australia to make. 

The King has visited Australia sixteen times previously, including attending Timbertop, Geelong Grammar School in Victoria for six months. Many of his engagements on this first trip as monarch see him returning again, a continuous theme.