King Charles' $97k arrival gift slammed as "waste of money"
King Charles and Queen Camilla are set for a lavish welcome to commemorate their first visit since 2018, but taxpayers are not impressed with the massive cost.
The sails of the Sydney Opera House will be illuminated from 8pm on Friday for four minutes with images from previous royal visits intended to show the "diverse ways in which Their Majesties have engaged with and celebrated NSW and Australia over the years."
“We are lighting up the Sydney Opera House to warmly welcome The King and Queen to our beautiful harbour city," Premier Chris Minns said in a statement.
"The photo projection on the Opera House sails celebrates a historic moment - The King’s first visit to NSW as Sovereign - and is a fitting tribute."
The gesture does not come cheap, costing taxpayers an estimated $97,030, and many were unhappy about it.
"Cannot support wasting our taxes on people who wouldn’t be here if we didn’t pay," one person wrote on Facebook.
"At a time when rents are sky high ...more and more homeless.. Hospitals are overcrowded...Food and petrol prices are ridiculous...Do you really think it excites battling Aussies...having money spent this way?" another person asked.
"How many homeless could be housed with the money spent on a visit by millionaires, paid by us?" another wrote.
"Waste of money! Channel the funds to the needy. King who with the horse?!," another remarked.
However, there were a few others who expressed their excitement about the royal visit.
"I will definitely head in with the kids to see this," one wrote.
"As a monarchist, yes I'm going there to warmly welcome them," another commented.
"Can’t wait for their majesties arrival," a third added.
Royal fans will have a chance to meet or see the monarchs, as they plant to engage with members of the public on the Sydney Opera House Forecourt on October 22nd at 4.20pm.
Their appearance will be followed by a Fleet Review on Sydney Harbour, featuring an Australian Defence Force fly past.
Members of the public can see the ships and fly past from various vantage points including Farm Cove, Royal Botanic Gardens and Mrs Macquarie’s Chair at approximately 4.50pm.
Image: Instagram