Australia get prime position at Westminster Hall ceremony at King Charles’s request

Australia has been given a prime position to witness the condolence motion at Westminster Hall on Monday, after a special request from King Charles.

Acting Australian high commissioner to the UK Lynette Wood. Picture: Getty Images

Australia has been given a prime position to witness the condolence motion at Westminster Hall on Monday, after a special request from King Charles.

Australia’s acting high commissioner to the United Kingdom, Lynette Wood, has been the country’s first official to meet with the King, firstly at the Accession Council which formally approved King Charles on Saturday and then at a special reception at Buckingham Palace on Sunday for the realms of the Commonwealth.

Charles has made a special effort in his first duties as King to embrace Commonwealth nations, and has ensured Australia, New Zealand and Canada – all Five Eyes security countries – have a front-row seat in the royal box for the condolence motion, which will be received and responded by the King in a joint sitting of parliament on Monday.

Ms Wood said on Sunday evening London time she had been able to convey personally to Their Majesties the condolences of the government and people of Australia.

“As you know, the king has a deep and broad relationship with Australia and His Majesty’s affection for our country was evident in our brief conversation this afternoon,” she said. “Having visited Australia 16 times including studying in Victoria, His Majesty knows Australia very well.

“What has really struck me these past few days is the solemnity here in London and the regard with which Her Majesty has held and the strong support that is already there for King Charles III.”

Ms Wood was also engaged in discussion with the Queen Consort, Camilla, at the Buckingham Palace audience.