King Charles meets with Australia’s acting High Commissioner Lynette Wood

The King’s new duties have got under way as a “relentless” schedule sees him meet senior officials from his realm, including Australia.

King Charles, with Queen Consort Camilla by his side, has met with the High Commissioners from countries where he is head of state, including Australia.

The King began his round of duties at Buckingham Palace meeting with the Secretary-general of the Commonwealth Baroness Patricia Scotland in the “1844 Room”.

He then hosted a gathering with the 14 High Commissioners of the realm including from Australia, Canada and New Zealand and their spouses in the royal residence’s Bow Room.

King Charles III during an audience with the Commonwealth Secretary General Baroness Patricia Scotland at Buckingham Palace on Sunday. Picture: Getty Images

Britain's King Charles III speaks with Britain’s Foreign Secretary James Cleverly, centre, during a reception with Realm High Commissioners and their spouses in the Bow Room of Buckingham Palace in London on September 11, 2022. Picture: AFP

The pushing pause on funeral proceedings to host a reception of representatives of the realm for whom he is King, is seen as critical as some nations notably Antigua and Barbuda look to become republics.

The King spoke to all representatives individually for 15 minutes, including from Antigua and Barbuda.

King Charles III during a reception with Realm High Commissioners and their spouses in the Bow Room at Buckingham Palace on Sunday. Picture: Getty Images

Australia’s acting High Commissioner Lynette Wood, the first Australian to speak with the new monarch since his ascension, said she conveyed condolences on behalf of the nation.

She said the King had a deep and broad relationship with Australia having studied there and making 16 trips over the years

“His majesty’s warmth for our country was evident in our brief conversations,” Ms Wood said.

She also spoke to Camilla, who sought her out for a chat.

Ms Wood said Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and the Governor-General David Hurley would be visiting London later this week, with Mr Albanese on Sunday confirming the men will arrive in London with their partners on Thursday.

Ms Wood has been acting in the role since April 30 after the federal government elected to not extend George Brandis’ term as high commissioner but also not appointing his replacement.

King Charles’ ‘relentless’ schedule

The crazy schedule of King Charles has been revealed, including details about how he is so busy he tends to skip a meal.

His carefully plotted out working day has been described as “relentless”.

It starts with radio news headlines and a breakfast of seasonal fruits and seeds with tea.

Followed by public engagements that run until late in the afternoon — and the King does not stop to eat lunch, reports The Sun.

At 5pm, the King stops for tea, often with the Queen Consort, over sandwiches and a piece of fruit cake.

Which is then followed by a chance to “tackle the mountain of paperwork”.

Dinner is a 8.30pm sharp and then at 10pm he heads back to his desk, usually until well past midnight - that’s if other public engagements weren’t on the agenda.

Originally published as King Charles meets with Australia’s acting High Commissioner Lynette Wood