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Prince William arrives in Sydney

19th January 2010

Prince William arrived in Australia today for an unofficial visit, following his official visit to New Zealand to open the country's new Supreme Court.

The Prince has been visiting Auckland and Wellington for two days and then went on to Sydney, Australia.

After lunch with the Governor-General Her Excellency Ms Quentin Bryce, Prince William visited Redfern, a deprived and predominantly Aboriginal neighbourhood of Sydney to meet residents and learn about the work of the institution.

A crowd of around 800 had gathered for his arrival and he was welcomed with a traditional smoking ceremony performed by aboriginal elder Max Eulo.

Mr Eulo, who was dressed in a red loincloth and covered with ceremonial paint, fanned a burning basket of eucalyptus leaves around The Prince to cleanse the area.

Inside the centre, Prince William spent a long time chatting to elderly members of Redfern's community and also met youngsters benefiting from its facilities and projects.

Michael Mundine, from the Aboriginal Housing Company, said:  "We are very proud of our area and very proud royalty has come here today."

Earlier, at a reception hosted by the Governor General at her official residence overlooking Sydney Opera house, Prince William met eminent and well-known Australians including singer Delta Goodrem.

The entertainer was among a guest list made up of Australia's leading young people ho were treated to lunch.

Ms Goodrem, who is dating former Westlife star Brian McFadden, said she respected the Royal Family and welcomed Prince William to Sydney, saying: "I'm a very patriotic Australian and am excited to have him in my country."

Prince William spent the rest of the day privately enjoying the sights of Sydney.