‘Genocide, decolonise’: Protesters gather near church ahead of King Charles, Queen Camilla’s arrival

King Charles and Queen Camilla have been greeted by Union Jack-waving royal fans and placard-brandishing protesters at a church in North Sydney.

King Charles and Queen Camilla have been greeted by Union Jack-waving royal fans and placard-brandishing protesters at a church in North Sydney.

The King and Queen arrived at St Thomas’ Anglican Church mid Sunday morning for a service, their first engagement of their six-day visit.

The royals waved at the hundreds of fans gathered to catch a glimpse of them as they made their way to the church, and met with children from the local Sunday school.

Some had been waiting since before dawn, dressed in their best.

The service at St Thomas, one of Australia’s oldest churches, was held by the Archbishop of Sydney and restricted to the local congregation.

Protesters are seen facing off with police in Sydney as the King and Queen attend a church service in North Sydney while on their royal tour. Picture: NewsWire / Monique Harmer

Their Majesties King Charles III and Queen Camilla attend a church service officiated by the Archbishop of Sydney Kanishka Raffel at a church in North Sydney. Picture: NewsWire / Monique Harmer

The jubilation played out against a backdrop of intense security, with heavily armed police on patrol and officers checking beneath vehicles in the area.

Police also watched carefully a small group demonstrators near the church.

Pro-Palestine protesters and Indigenous rights activists unfurled Banners reading “decolonise” and “empire built on genocide”.

There were also chants of “Aboriginal Land, Always Was, Always Will be.”

Police are on the scene with the protesters outside St Thomas’ Anglican Church. Picture: NewsWire / Monique Harmer

The King and Queen touched down in Sydney on Friday. Picture: NewsWire / Rohan Kelly

The King and Queen touched down in Sydney on Friday night, where they welcomed by Governor-General Sam Mostyn, NSW Governor Margaret Beazley, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and NSW Premier Chris Minns and Mr Minns’ mum, Cara.

King Charles and Queen Camilla have events in Sydney and Canberra from October 18 to October 23.

It is his 17th visit to Australia since his first trip in 1966 at the age of 17.

Protesters have unfurled banners reading “decolonise” and “empire built on genocide” and chanted “Aboriginal Land, Always Was, Always Will be.” Picture: NewsWire / Monique Harmer

Originally published as ‘Genocide, decolonise’: Protesters gather near church ahead of King Charles, Queen Camilla’s arrival