Buckingham Palace recently shared never-before-seen video footage of King Charles’ 1966 visit to Australia when he was just 17 years old. The footage shows the young King Charles, who was the Prince of Wales at the time, arriving in Australia with his wife Queen Camilla.
The video reveals that in 1966, King Charles spent two terms at Timbertop in the mountains of south-eastern Australia. Timbertop is a co-educational campus of Geelong Grammar School located near Mansfield in Victoria. The school combines traditional education with outdoor activities like hiking, trail running, cross-country skiing, and camping to promote independence and initiative among students.
The release of this rare footage coincides with King Charles and Queen Camilla’s current visit to Australia and Samoa as part of their Autumn Tour. The visit will also include their attendance at the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) 2024. Upon their arrival in Sydney, they were warmly welcomed by Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and honored with a special tribute at the Sydney Opera House, which was lit up in their honor.
This visit holds significance as it marks King Charles’ first trip to a Realm as Monarch, and the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting in Samoa will be the first one he attends as Head of the Commonwealth. It is a momentous occasion for both the King and Queen as they engage in diplomatic relations and strengthen ties with the Commonwealth nations.
The video footage offers a glimpse into the early years of King Charles and provides insight into his experiences during his formative years. It showcases the King’s adventurous spirit and his willingness to engage in new and challenging experiences, reflecting his character as a leader who values personal growth and development.
As the King and Queen continue their tour in Australia and Samoa, they will undoubtedly leave a lasting impression on the people they meet and the places they visit. Their presence symbolizes the enduring relationship between the monarchy and the Commonwealth nations, highlighting the importance of diplomacy and cooperation in today’s global landscape.
Overall, the release of the rare video footage adds a layer of historical significance to King Charles’ current visit to Australia and Samoa. It serves as a reminder of the King’s early experiences in the country and sets the stage for a new chapter in his role as Monarch and Head of the Commonwealth.
