News
HRH visits Canberra, Australia's capital city
5th March 2005
The Prince of Wales flew into Canberra, Australia's capital, for the last stop of his visit to the country.
The Prince was greeted by Governor General Michael Jeffery and given a ceremonial reception.
His Royal Highness was introduced to Prime Minister John Howard before inspecting Australia‘s Federation Guard who stood to attention on the tarmac for the ceremonial welcome.
The Royal Military College band played God Save The Queen and a 21-gun artillery salute was fired.
In a welcoming dinner held at Government House, The Prince told Mr Jeffery, Mr Howard and other dignitaries that he had “nothing but happy memories" of his visit.
He added: “I have always had a special affection for this wonderful country. Everyone has always made me feel happy and it‘s wonderful to be back.”
The next day, The Prince visited the Australian War Memorial and met veterans of the Royal Australian Armoured Corps (RAAC).
The Australian War Memorial was created in 1941 to commemorate those who died in the First World War. It was expanded in 1952 to include all conflicts.
The memorial has a open central area surrounded by arched alcoves which houses the names of the 102,000 fallen on the bronze panels of the Roll of Honour.
During his visit, The Prince toured the complex and walked along the bronze panels dotted with remembrance poppies.
His Royal Highness placed a wreath on the Tomb of the Unknown Australian Soldier and met many members of the public who had gathered there to greet him.
The Prince has visited the memorial several times in the past: in 1981 to open the refurbished Hall of Valour and again in 1983 as part of a Royal Tour.
Her Majesty The Queen visited the Memorial in March 2000 to re-open the restored Hall of Memory.
Afterwards, His Royal Highness visited Lyndfield Park, his last engagement in Australia on this visit.
Lyndfield Park is a farm run by owners John and Jan Weatherstone, that uses sustainable and innovative farming methods focused on ecological and economic sustainability.
The Prince was given a tour of the farm to see the land management practices used to counteract the problems of the area such as salinity and drought.
Whilst at the farm, The Prince met representatives from Greening Australia and Landcare, two organisations which seek to involve the community in ecologically sound land management.
The Prince left for Dunedin where he was to start his five-day visit of New Zealand.