Calls for King Charles to use costly ‘royal loo’ at parliament on Sunday

A 30-year-old story about a costly bathroom renovation at state parliament has resurfaced in time for the King’s visit on Sunday.

There are hopes of a royal flush when King Charles III drops in to NSW parliament on Sunday, with MPs crossing their fingers taxpayers will finally get their money’s worth after costly renovations to the toilet at Macquarie St 30 years ago.

The King will ­attend the launch of an exhibition marking the 200th anniversary of the Legislative Council, Australia’s first parliament.

While there, MPs say he should avail himself of toilet facilities that were upgraded for Queen Elizabeth II, at great cost to the taxpayer.

The toilet in question is in a private section of parliament, accessible only to the Upper House President or during events in the President’s dining room.

The upgrades date back to 1992, when the Queen ceremonially opened state parliament for a royal sitting, also unveiling a portrait of herself.

Queen Elizabeth in Sydney during her Australian royal visit in 1992.

No expense was spared for the event. According to political staffers familiar with the visit, a toilet was specifically upgraded ahead of their majesties’ arrival, to ensure it was “soundproof”.

The bathroom renovations are believed to have cost some $18,000 in 1992 – a whopping $40,000 in today’s dollars.

King Charles may finally ‘christen’ the royal loo. Picture: Getty Images

The toilet is located in the Upper House President’s office suite, which was allocated to the Queen and Prince Philip as a place to “rest” in between parliamentary engagements.

Staff were told to ensure the Queen’s “preferred drinks”, including her favoured brand of gin, were available should she wish for refreshment.

Despite the costly soundproofing, those familiar with the event say there was “no evidence” that the Queen used the facilities.

Along with upgrading a toilet, parliamentary officials also splurged almost $4000 on special ceremonial attire for the Queen’s visit.

Thirty years later, MPs have joked that Upper House President Ben Franklin has “one job” for when King Charles attends parliament.

“Ben has one KPI – ensure the King uses the toilet so we can get our money’s worth,” one quipped.

Mr Franklin’s office refused to respond to questions about the toilet.

NSW parliament also declined to say what, if any, special preparations have been made for the King’s visit on Sunday.

However, the visit comes after taxpayers dropped $22m on renovations to the Macquarie St building, including upgrading the lifts.

Upper House NSW MPs had originally hoped the King would preside over a ceremonial sitting of the Legislative Council to mark its 200th anniversary.

Instead, the King will attend a launch of an exhibition celebrating parliament’s 200-year history.

Parliamentary sources believe the King will be in the building for less than 30 minutes, perhaps negating the need for a comfort stop.

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Originally published as Calls for King Charles to use costly ‘royal loo’ at parliament on Sunday