King Charles Crowned in the Southern Hemisphere
It was another splashy Sunday for the Commonwealth when King Charles III officially stepped into his top‑chair roles in both Australia and New Zealand. The VIP visits to Canberra and Wellington marked the moment Australia and the Kiwis welcomed a new monarch after Queen Elizabeth’s passing at the age of 96.
New Zealand: A Parliament‑Stage Switch‑Up
In Wellington, the Parliament building hosted the big “King of the Southern Hemisphere” ceremony. Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern took to the steps with a grin, announcing the new head of state to a crowd that felt a mix of joy and nostalgia. “The time of change is here,” she said, and emphasized how King Charles has shown a genuine love for the Kiwi nation. The headline? The relationship is cherished, and the future looks even brighter.
Australians Get a Giant Salute
Down under, it was a star‑studded occasion at Parliament House in Canberra. Governor General David Hurley proclaimed King Charles, and the venue responded with a roaring 21‑gun salute that echoed through the Capital’s skyline. The formalities are mostly ceremonial, but they feel like a proper salute to tradition.
Prime Minister Albanese’s Ode to Mourning
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese had already planned a national day of mourning on September 22. This public holiday aims to give Australians a chance to remember Queen Elizabeth from the 5–hour-long funeral next week. Albanese is set to travel to London on September 19, attend the ceremony, and return to Canberra on September 21.
He even offered to send a thousand local dignitaries to the UK, including Pacific island leaders and New Zealand officials, to show support. “It’s all about the Queen’s legacy,” he said. “And people will repay both the ceremony and the heartfelt tribute.”
Flag‑Half‑Mast, Post‑Mortem Portraits, and Opera House Surprises
- National flags across Australia hang low, at half mast.
- Parliament has been temporarily shut down.
- A huge portrait of Queen Elizabeth fills the sails of the iconic Sydney Opera House, creating a striking tribute that’s as impressive as it is solemn.
With states of pause and double‑clicks on the profile pictures coming from the West, it’s clear the former queen left a lasting flame that King Charles has pledged to keep burning. The world watches closely as the new monarch takes his first stride—of the ceremonial kind—down under and in the Pacific.
