King Charles in high spirits as Aussies carry Legacy Centenary Torch Relay flame through London

London’s historic heart shut down and crowds went wild early Saturday as a small but celebrated group of Australians walked in the footsteps of royalty with the blessing of a jovial King Charles.

A small but celebrated group of Aussies brought London’s historic heart shut to a standstill early Saturday morning when they took to the streets carrying the flame lit earlier in front of King Charles at Buckingham Palace to signal the start to the Legacy Centenary Torch Relay 2023.

Accompanied by pipes and drums, flanked by security and escorted by police, two-score Aussies were cheered on their way as they carried a blazing symbol of hope along the route of next weekend’s Coronation procession, on the London leg of the Legacy Centenary Torch Relay 2023.

Victoria Cross holder Daniel Keighran holds a torch aloft before parading through the streets of London after the lighting ceremony at Buckingham Palace before the King. Picture: Callum Smith

The extraordinary privilege – and exposure – came after an even greater honour: being invited to Buckingham Palace, where King Charles III chatted and joked with organisers and torchbearers taking part in the epic six-month marathon.

Among them were Victoria Cross holder Dan Keighran, who, along with Legacy London widow and mum-of-four Angela Brient, held the first torches as they were lit in front of the King in the Palace quadrangle, on Friday afternoon local time.

The King clearly enjoyed bantering with the torchbearers, joking about getting singed then taking one torch – not lit – and swinging it like a cricket bat.

King Charles clearly enjoyed the ceremony meeting torch bearers and sharing a laugh. Picture: Gareth Fuller/Getty

Britain's bonnie King Charles III laughs at the start of the Legacy Centenary Torch Relay. Picture: Gareth Fuller/ AFP

Afterwards Keighran revealed that despite the fun, he was keenly aware of not scorching his monarch as the April breeze made the flames flare. “I had to keep moving back as he got closer,” he laughed.

Keighran – who was awarded his medal for gallantry in Afghanistan and who now works for defence and tech multinational Thales – is no stranger to royal events, having met the Queen and attended her Majesty’s funeral; next weekend he will also be present at the Coronation.

“It was very special, I felt very privileged,” he said. “When you sign up you take an oath or affirmation … For me it has always been the Crown.”

Dan Kieghran with fellow Australians ahead of the relay which will travel over 50,000km through 100 locations, carried by about 1,500 Torch Bearers who have a connection to Legacy or the Defence Community. Picture: Gareth Fuller

Despite a hectic schedule ahead of next weekend, the King took time to talk to every one of his 45 military and civilian Aussie guests.

All were moved by the experience, with reactions ranging from “that was so sick” from one starstruck younger Legacy torchbearer to 101-year-old Mary Nicholson, whose late husband was in the air force in WWII, and who the King spoke to caringly and at length. She said she was “so pleased” to have been present.

Just hours after the royal reception, Keighran was back outside the Palace, now in his torchbearer uniform to receive the flame after it was borne down the Mall, under huge Union Jacks and other Commonwealth flags, by his fellow relay participants.

King Charles chatted at length with Mary Nicholson, 101, whose late husband was in the air force in WWII. Picture: Callum Smith

Mobs of tourists gathered outside the royal residence rushed to gawp, applaud, take photos and ask what was going on – always delighted when they learned not only that Legacy is a charity caring for the families of dead or injured veterans, but that it is Australian.

The scene was repeated all along the 3.5km route, from the Houses of Parliament, through Horse Guards, to the Australian War Memorial at the city’s famous Hyde Park Corner, with police closing busy roads to shepherd the group along – a special touch that added enormously to the sense of occasion.

The royal treatment reflected the esteem in which Legacy was held by the King’s late parents. His father Prince Philip – an honorary member – called it “a unique organisation” that Australians should be proud of, adding: “I doubt whether there is anything quite like it anywhere in the world”.

Accompanied by pipes and drums, flanked by security and escorted by police, two-score Aussies were cheered on their way as they carried a blazing symbol of hope. Picture: Callum Smith

As part of an official congratulations message to Legacy, King Charles sent a particular salute to the families it helps – the beneficiaries.

“Their sacrifice, whether through personal service or the loss of the life or health of a loved one, will never be forgotten,” he said.

“My wife joins me in sending you our warmest good wishes for a memorable and enjoyable program of commemorative events and every possible success to those participating in the Centenary Torch Relay to mark this most special anniversary.”

Among those beneficiaries praised by the King were Glasgow-based Ms Brient – whose late husband Terry spent 22 years in the RAAF – and her four children.

They ended the relay by using the torch to light a lantern of remembrance at the impressive London memorial to Australia’s fallen.

“Legacy has given us so much support and guidance, access to psychologists, help with paperwork, the will, everything we needed to deal with they were with us,” she said. “They gave the children access to kids’ camp and made us feel that we were not alone, I want to get something back.”

As part of an official congratulations message to Legacy, King Charles sent a particular salute to the families it helps – the beneficiaries. Picture: Callum Smith

Each Torch Bearer has a connection to Legacy or Australia’s Defence Force. Picture: Callum Smith

The flame, which began its voyage last weekend at the Anzac battlefields of France, will now travel around Australia’s 44 Legacy clubs before finishing its journey, funded by military family insurers Defence Health, in Melbourne.

A thrilled Legacy Australia Chairman Eric Easterbrook OAM said it was “wonderful” that the King was in support, adding: “I can’t think of a more fitting commemoration than being at Buckingham Palace in our 100th year.”

Liliana Sanelli, executive producer of the relay, was called a “genius” by the King for the three years of planning she put into the event. Visibly emotional, she said having the King’s participation was “better than anything I could have hoped for”.