Monarch's speech leaves New South Wales parliamentarians in stitches
King Charles left the New South Wales parliamentarians in fits of laughter with a humorous comment during his first speech on his tour of Australia.
The monarch, currently on his long-anticipated visit after ascending the throne, arrived in Sydney with Queen Camilla to a warm welcome on Friday night. The royal couple began their tour by attending a church service at St Thomas’ Anglican Church and holding important meetings with key political figures.
During a reception at the New South Wales parliament, King Charles made a light-hearted remark while presenting a gift to the attendees. He revealed an hourglass, calling it a "speech timer" and humorously suggested it would encourage brevity in future speeches.
"It is my great pleasure to present a small gift to the parliament. It is, in fact, an hourglass—a speech timer—to sit in the chambers and bear witness to the legislative council's next chapter, with the sands of time encouraging brevity," the King said, to the amusement of the audience.
