His Majesty King Charles III visited the Parliament of NSW on Sunday, 20 October 2024, to celebrate the Bicentenary of the Legislative Council. He addressed officials, members of Parliament and distinguished guests at a celebratory luncheon, showcasing highlights from the program of events and activities that has commemorated the Council's Bicentenary.
Arriving shortly before midday, His Majesty was escorted from Parliament’s Macquarie Street entrance in an official party led by the Usher of the Black Rod, through the Fountain Court exhibition space, to the Strangers’ Function Room, where 200 guests and awaiting media were asked to stand for The King’s arrival.
Addressing the gathering, His Majesty congratulated the Council on its Bicentenary and its contributions to the state’s progress.
His Majesty remarked, "Having been with you for your 150th anniversary, I am delighted and proud to be able to return the Parliament of New South Wales to celebrate the occasion of your Bicentenary. This place and the people within it, have continued to uphold strong representative traditions”.
The King presented the President of the Legislative Council, the Hon Ben Franklin MLC, with a gift of an hourglass, engraved with the Royal Coat of Arms and an inscription memorialising his visit.
A select group of individuals who have played a significant role in the Bicentenary celebrations were presented to speak with His Majesty:
- the Clerk of the Parliaments, David Blunt AM
- artist and creator of Bicentenary Aboriginal artwork Ngurra Jagun, Kim Healey
- the winner of the inaugural NSW Parliament Regional Public Speaking Competition for high school students, Sophia Huckel of Blue Mountains Grammar School
- the Hon Penny Sharpe MLC, Leader of the Government in the Legislative Council and the Hon Damien Tudehope MLC, Leader of the Opposition in the Legislative Council.
During the first Royal Tour to Australia in 1954, Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II visited Australia's ‘Mother Parliament’, making an address in the Legislative Council chamber – the first occasion on which the Sovereign had opened the Parliament of any Australian jurisdiction. Her Late Majesty returned in 1992 to open the 50th Parliament of NSW. The King's most recent visit marked his second ever visit to NSW Parliament and first as sovereign. His Majesty previously visited on the Legislative Council’s 150th anniversary in 1974, when he presented the Council with the gift of a Black Rod.
The hourglass is currently being used in the Council chamber during parliamentary proceedings to time business such as divisions. It can be viewed during free public tours at NSW Parliament House which run on Mondays and Fridays, at 11.30am and 1.30pm.
Photo Gallery - King Charles III visit to the Parliament of NSW, 20 October 2024
Image credits: Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet
