They didn’t quite make it to Penrith but King Charles and Queen Camilla were just down the road earlier today – attending a community BBQ in Parramatta.
And if you can’t bring the King to Penrith, you bring Penrith to the King.
Among those meeting Their Majesties on Tuesday was Panthers legend Mark Geyer, among the guests at the invite-only community event in Parramatta Park.
Deputy Premier and Londonderry MP Prue Car also spent plenty of time with the King and Queen today.
Spectators lined the side of the road to see Their Majesties, waving and taking photos as they arrived around lunchtime.
The likes of cricket legend David Warner, Blue Wiggle Anthony Field and comedian Ahn Do were among the attendees, as well as religious leaders and volunteers.
And they were also put to work – with Charles and Camilla both briefly spending some time with tongs in hand, turning sausages.
“It is always a particular pleasure to return to the neighbourhood,” King Charles told the gathered crowd.
Premier Chris Minns formally welcomed Their Majesties to western Sydney.
“Your Majesty, this might be your first visit to Australia as a sovereign, but it’s certainly not your first visit as a friend,” he said.
“For 60 years, you’ve been coming to our city and our state.
“And in that time, you have witnessed the latest chapter in the long story of change that’s happened in western Sydney.”
Minns said western Sydney had become the heart of multicultural Australia.
“In the same way that the British Commonwealth pulls together 56 nations into a single body, Western Sydney has stitched the world into a single community,” he said.
“And without being too immodest, I think it’s an example to the world of how we can live together, as one people despite our differences.
“That success is built on our citizens, on everyone here today.”
The Royals wrapped up their Australian tour on Wednesday.
Troy Dodds
Troy Dodds is the Weekender's Managing Editor and Breaking News Reporter. He has more than 20 years experience as a journalist, working with some of Australia's leading media organisations. In 2023, he was named Editor of the Year at the Mumbrella Publish Awards.