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The Duke and Duchess of Sussex learn about Indigenous culture on their 2018 Royal Tour

29 October 2018
Culture and Capability
4 people (Duke and Duchess of Sussex, an aboriginal man Robert Young and third man) stand in an alley viewing colourful murals on the walls lining the alley. In the background are cars, a crowd of people, and trees behind the crowd.

The Duke and Duchess of Sussex 2018 Royal Visit Australia Wrap up.

On the 2018 Royal Visit to Australia, The Duke and Duchess of Sussex attended numerous cultural events and learnt about Indigenous culture during their two week visit.

One of Their Royal Highnesses first visits was to the Bangarra Dance Theatre’s rehearsal at the Opera House on Tuesday 16th October for the upcoming Spirit 2018 tour to India.

On Wednesday 17th of October, Their Royal Highnesses received a warm yet wet welcome to Dubbo after meeting with the Royal Flying Doctors Service and local farmers.

Thursday 18th October brought Their Royal Highnesses to Melbourne, starting off with a reception hosted by the Governor of Victoria at Government House. They then visited the restaurant ‘Charcoal Lane’ and were greeted by Executive Chef, Greg Hampton and young students. Afterwards they viewed a mural by Gunnai Waradjeurie artist Robert Young that references the cultural connections the area has to Indigenous Australia.

Fluro Friday on 19 October saw Their Royal Highnesses join in on the ‘anti bad vibe’ circle at Bondi Beach talking about mental health.

After visiting Bondi The Duke and Duchess were off to Visit Macarthur Girls High School to meet with participants of the ‘In League In Harmony’ Programme leadership workshop. It’s a seven week program focusing on building a positive sense of self, setting goals, appreciating diversity, developing communication skills and working with others to achieve common goals. 

The Duke of Sussex then joined Invictus Games athletes and Prime Minister Scott Morrision to climb the Sydney Harbour Bridge and raised the Invictus flag to celebrate the arrival of the games.

Over the weekend of The Duke and Duchess of Sussex attended the official opening of the ANZAC memorial and the Invictus games opening ceremony before travelling to Fraser Island on Monday the 22nd.

The Duke of Sussex was accompanied by Butchulla Elders Aunty Nai Nai Bird and Aunty Gayle Minniecon when recieving a traditional Welcome to Country Smoking Ceremony at the K’Gari National Park for the Unveiling of the Queens Commonwealth Canopy (QCC).

‘As well as being the largest sand island in the world, it has been World Heritage listed in recognition of its exceptional beauty, biodiversity and cultural significance. World Heritage sites play a critical role in supporting local economies and livelihoods. Their destruction can and is having devastating consequences that go way beyond their exceptional beauty and natural value,’ The Duke of Sussex said. 

‘The [QCC] programme is committed to raising awareness of the value of Indigenous forests and to saving them for future generations. Put simply, without trees and forests, we don’t survive. It is a symbiotic relationship, and one that so many people still fail to realise.’ Said The Duke of Sussex.