Sydney’s shock coronation snub

The NSW government have cancelled plans to light up the sails of the Sydney Opera House during the coronation.

This picture shows the Opera House illuminated in the colours of the Australian flag in Sydney on Australia Day on January 26, 2023. (Photo by Robert Wallace / AFP)

When the Queen died her image was projected onto the sails of the Sydney Opera House as Aussies mourned Her Majesty’s passing.

It has become customary for Australia to recognise world events this way with Remembrance Day, Diwali and the Olympics all celebrated with the illumination of Sydney’s most famous landmark.

So it will perhaps be seen as a bit of a snub that the New South Wales government have axed plans to honour King Charles’ coronation in a similar fashion.

This picture shows the Opera House illuminated in the colours of the Australian flag in Sydney on Australia Day on January 26, 2023. Picture: Robert Wallace / AFP

The Minns government have scrapped a plan to illuminate the Opera House after the previous government had organised a display of the King’s “cypher” (the official royal monogram).

The Daily Telegraph cited sources who said the decision was down to cost-cutting.

One source said the illumination would cost between $80,000 and $100,000.

However another source said it would cost around $70,000.

Two buildings in Sydney will be illuminated for the coronation, Admiralty House and Cape Bowling Green Lighthouse at the Maritime Museum.

A spokeswoman for the Minns government defended the decision.

“The NSW Government believes it has struck the right balance in terms of meeting community expectations on commemorating the occasion while being mindful of public expense,” she said.

Liberal Leader Mark Speakman criticised the move stating it was another example of the Premier cancelling government projects.