Latest news British royal couple lands in Australia

King Charles III and his wife Queen Camilla have arrived in Australia for a visit lasting several days. The couple landed in the major city of Sydney.

The British monarch is also Australia's head of state. It is the first time that the 75-year-old has visited the country as King - and his first major trip abroad since he made an unspecified cancer illness public a few months ago.

Ahead of the arrival, the palace posted a video featuring scenes from previous trips to the country by Charles and his mother Queen Elizabeth II. "Ahead of our first visit to Australia as King and Queen, we are very much looking forward to returning to this beautiful country to celebrate the extraordinarily rich cultures and communities that make it so special," it said. "See you there!" The text is signed "Charles R. & Camilla R" - the "R" stands for "Rex" and "Regina" respectively, the Latin terms for "King" and "Queen".

Over the next few days, several appointments in Sydney and the capital Canberra are on the official program. Charles and Camilla (77) will be received by head of government Anthony Albanese, among others.

Opponents of the monarchy want to protest

The social democratic politician has spoken out in favor of a republic in the past. However, it was recently reported that there is no timetable for a new referendum on changing the form of government. Anti-monarchy activists have announced protests.

On Wednesday, Charles and Camilla will travel on to the South Pacific state of Samoa. The Commonwealth summit is being held there this year. Charles is the head of the Commonwealth, which mainly comprises former British colonies.

SDA