When the Prince and Princess of Wales wound through the streets of London following the King’s coronation, it was done with a touch of Aussie flair.
Eagle-eyed viewers noted the couple – along with their children Prince George, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis – were riding in the Australian State Coach, emblazoned with the emu and kangaroo of our national coat of arms.
WATCH: Prince William, Princess Catherine and their children ride in a carriage to Buckingham Palace
It was a touching gesture to a country William, 40, and Catherine, 41, have visited in the past. However, New Idea can exclusively reveal the choice of carriage was also a cheeky nod towards a top secret, imminent plan to launch an epic Wales family tour Down Under.
“It was only a matter of time before the Waleses planned a visit to Australia,” says one palace source.
“They’ve been wanting to go ever since the 2020 bushfires [in Victoria and New South Wales], but then the pandemic, the Queen’s death and the King’s coronation thwarted them,” says a source.
“Now, they have a wide open [UK] summer schedule with the children off school, and they’re hoping to fill it with an epic Aussie adventure.”
New Idea understands via sources close to the UK Home Office that the family is planning to undertake a mix of official engagements.
“They really want to visit with firefighters, nurses and essential workers who helped Australia get through the pandemic, and of course take the kids to see some Aussie animals – George still has his stuffed wombat from his visit [in 2014] as a baby,” says an insider.
“The initial plan is to base themselves in Sydney and then travel to rural communities around the country.”
We’re told Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese extended the invitation to William when the pair met at Kensington Palace during coronation festivities. But it won’t be all work and no play for the Waleses.
WATCH: Princess Catherine, Prince William and their children arrive at King Charles III’s coronation
They’re hoping to take off for a private holiday as well. After previously visiting the Northern Territory, Kate is especially keen to show George, 9, Charlotte, 8, and Louis, 5, Uluru and perhaps try some glamping.
“They are a very outdoorsy family – you’ll probably also see Kate doing something adventurous, like climbing Sydney Harbour Bridge with George and Charlotte. Sadly, Louis is too young to do that yet.
“The boys are really obsessed with crocodiles so no doubt a trip to Queensland, be it Cairns or possibly Australia Zoo, will be on the cards.”
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