Royal visit in April to include the Games, the rainforest and the reef

The Prince of Wales and The Duchess of Cornwall will take in some of Queensland’s most iconic natural wonders around their official duties at the 2018 Gold Coast Commonwealth Games in April.

Following the royal visit to Brisbane and the Gold Coast, Clarence House has confirmed The Prince of Wales will travel to regional centres including Bundaberg and Cairns.

Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk said she was looking forward to welcoming Their Royal Highnesses back to the state.

“Following their last visit in 2012, I am delighted The Prince of Wales and The Duchess of Cornwall are returning at a time when the eyes of the world will be on Queensland,” the Premier said.

“Their Royal Highnesses will meet with Queenslanders from different fields and backgrounds, all working together to strengthen their local communities and protect our unique environmental landmarks.”

Their Royal Highnesses will arrive in Brisbane on 4 April, attending a ceremonial welcome at Old Government House.

The Prince and The Duchess will also visit Lady Cilento Children’s Hospital, meeting with Juiced TV - Australia’s first television program made by children in hospital, for children in hospital.

Following the 2018 Gold Coast Commonwealth Games Opening Ceremony, Their Royal Highnesses will visit the Athletes’ Village and The Prince of Wales will join enthusiastic spectators to watch the swimming at the Gold Coast Aquatic Centre.

On 6 April His Royal Highness will travel to Bundaberg, attending a community festival celebration at the iconic Bundaberg Rum Distillery, to be hosted by Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk.

“I am delighted His Royal Highness will be able to hear firsthand stories of the brilliant resilience and recovery of Bundaberg, which has triumphed over its share of adversity in recent years,” Ms Palaszczuk said.

“While in Queensland The Prince of Wales will also attend a meeting on coral resilience in the southern Great Barrier Reef and a forestry roundtable in the World Heritage-listed Daintree rainforest.

“With visits to both the reef and the rainforest, I’m excited for him to observe the great progress our state is making to ensure we preserve our natural assets for generations to come.”

While in Cairns, The Prince of Wales will tour the HMAS Leeuwin and the local Royal Flying Doctor Service base and watch the Commonwealth Games women’s basketball competition.

Further details of the royal visit will be released next month.

Media Contact: Michelle Wellington 0437 323 834