May, 1980: This short five-day trip was to open the new High Court of Australia building. The Queen also met Australian entertainers (L-R) pianist Roger Woodward, comedian Paul Hogan and singer Olivia Newton-John, who performed in a Royal Charity Concert at the Sydney Opera House.
Queen Elizabeth II and the Duke of Edinburgh have started an 11-day tour of the sunburnt country. This is the Queen’s 16th visit to Australia.
One of her shorter trips Down Under took place in May 1980, when she opened the new High Court of Australia building.
While in Sydney, the Queen attended a Royal Charity Concert at the Sydney Opera House where she met pianist Roger Woodward, comedian Paul Hogan and singer Olivia Newton-John.
The royal couple arrived late yesterday afternoon in Canberra, kicking off their visit in the national capital, followed by Brisbane, Melbourne and Perth.
Excerpt of a report by Gemma Jones, The Daily Telegraph
The Queen spent 10 minutes shaking hands with children and taking flowers while Prince Philip traded jokes about them "escaping from school".
PM Julia Gillard, who has voiced support for a republic at the end of Queen Elizabeth II’s reign, was joined by other prominent republicans in welcoming the visit yesterday.
"While the Queen is in Australia, what Australians will be doing is welcoming and celebrating," she said.
"I believe that she is very well respected by Australians and she is going to be tremendously warmly received from the moment she sets foot on Australian soil."
The Queen spent last night at Government House, where she will meet with Ms Bryce this morning, followed by a visit to Floriade. Tomorrow, she will meet with Ms Gillard and Opposition Leader Tony Abbott followed by a reception for hundreds in the Great Hall.
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