“The late Queen’s 70-year reign was the longest of any British monarch, making this coronation an event of a lifetime for many of us, although a few of you may have memories of 2 June 1953 .
“That ceremony was shown on television in the UK for the first time. In Australia we had to wait for Qantas to break the then London-Sydney flight record as it rushed to bring photos and film to the Imperial Airways constellation, only Fly to Sydney in 53 hours and 28 minutes.”
Three cheers for the King at the Coronation Tree Planting at Governor’s Palace.Credit: Flavio Brancarione
The 2023 Australian Youth and Sustainability Champion, Lottie Dalziel, appropriately arranged the tree planting (actually some ceremonial shoveling with a shiny shovel). The new saplings symbolize growth, prosperity and new beginnings, she said.
The guests then shared their thoughts on the future role of the new monarch. RFBI head of aged care David Adams said he believed the king had a daunting task ahead of him.
The Queen planted a Melaleuca tree at Government House in 1954.
“He’s certainly had practice to prepare for that and I think he’s going to do a good job,” he said.
“Its stability [the monarchy] provided that everyone should understand its place in our Constitution and history. This stability cannot be overturned. “
Joy Dodds of the Bush Children’s Education Foundation said the king faced enormous challenges because of “modern times”.
“People love the Queen for what she is, especially in Australia, and we don’t want her reign to change.
Loading
“I think [Charles] He still has a long way to go and I really hope in 10 or 15 years he decides to step down because if he has his mother’s longevity it’s just too long when the monarchy has so many problems. “
No cucumber sandwiches – a Buckingham Palace garden party staple – but sparkling orange wine and acacia seed scones with blackberry jam: some of the best food in NSW.
- Government House opens to the public for picnics on Sunday, with bands and coronation performances
