Queen Camilla raises eyebrows with relatable move after long day on Australia tour

King Charles and Queen Camilla had several jam-packed days of engagements during their trip to Australia – and after a busy day of visits in Sydney, Camilla was spotted after making a move most women could relate to

King Charles and Queen Camilla made the most of their long journey to Australia by enjoying several busy days in the country.

The royal couple landed Down Under last Friday and have since spent greeting officials and thousands of wellwishers in both Sydney and Canberra. The visit, which was Charles’ first to Australia since becoming monarch, was rounded off yesterday with a huge event at Sydney’s iconic Opera House. It saw him and Camilla wander around the well-known sight and meet the thousands who had turned out to greet them before conducting a Navy fleet review and boarding the Admiral Hudson vessel.

After enjoying a short boat ride, the pair were taken back to Admiralty House, where they staying. It came at the end of a busy day, which had seen the pair conduct several solo engagements each as well as attend a traditional Aussie barbecue.

And as they clambered up the steps back to Admiralty House after being dropped off, the packed schedule seemed to have taken its toll on Camilla – especially her feet. That’s because, in a relatable move, she walked up the stairs barefoot and carried her heels in hand. The 77-year-old had been wearing a pair of small heels all day – and no doubt had aching feet after spending time standing up in the hot Sydney sun. Earlier today, the pair left Sydney and headed to Samoa for the second part of their Autumn tour.

The pair received a ceremonial welcome when they arrived in Samoa for a four-day state visit. The royal couple flew to the Polynesian nation, which is hosting a major gathering of Commonwealth leaders, after their tour of Australia – the first by Charles as King.

Charles will preside over the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting, taking part for the first time as its head. He will formally open the global summit on Friday but plays no part in the discussions between the presidents and prime ministers – including Keir Starmer – which take place informally behind closed doors and unusually no advisers or aides are present.

Soon after the Royal Australian Air Force plane carrying the King and his wife Camilla left Sydney the couple posted a message on social media under their names. They wrote: “As we head towards Apia, we can’t wait to visit Samoa for the first time together and to experience the warmth of ancient traditions with your remarkable people. Feiloa’i ma le manuia! – Charles R & Camilla R.”

The last few words in Samoan loosely translate as “Looking forward to meeting the Samoan people”. Samoa’s prime minister Afioga Fiame Naomi Mata’afa and a long line of dignitaries were waiting to welcome the King and Queen, including the Foreign Secretary David Lammy, when their plane arrived at Faleolo International Airport.

World leaders will elect the new Commonwealth secretary-general during their meeting and all three candidates vying for the job have called for reparations to countries that were affected by slavery and colonialism.