Sydney Opera House Lights Up for Royal Visit

King Charles III and Queen Camilla are set to visit Australia from October 18 to 23, with the Sydney Opera House illuminated to welcome them. A four-minute montage of images from their previous visits will be projected onto the iconic landmark on the evening of their arrival. This light show, costing approximately £40-50,000, comes after New South Wales Premier Chris Minns previously rejected plans to illuminate the Opera House for the King's coronation due to budgetary concerns. Despite all six state premiers declining to attend a welcome reception in Canberra, Minns emphasized the importance of a warm reception in Sydney. The visit has reignited discussions about Australia's potential shift to a republic, although recent polls show support for the monarchy is increasing. This trip marks the first visit by a reigning monarch to Australia since Queen Elizabeth II's visit in 2011.