ON FIRST TRIP TO AN OVERSEAS REALM SINCE THE CORONATION THE KING AND QUEEN ENJOY A WARM WELCOME DOWN UNDER AS SYDNEY ROLLS OUT THE RED CARPET FOR HISTORIC ROYAL TOUR

Australia rolled out the red carpet for the King and Queen last week as they arrived Down Under to start their historic royal tour.

- TRACY SCHAVERIEN

As the couple touched down, Sydney Opera House was lit up with a photo montage showing previous royal visits, projected on to its sails and visible from around the harbour.

HELLO! joined Their Majesties as they began their week-long tour of Australia and Samoa, kicking off with an official welcome at Sydney Airport.

Emerging on to the aircraft’s steps, the smiling couple looked cheerful after their flight and were greeted by dignitaries including Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, Australia’s GovernorGeneral Sam Mostyn and New South Wales premier Chris Minns.

They had travelled separately on commercial flights from the UK, with the Queen taking a private break before reaching Singapore, where the couple boarded a Royal Australian Air Force plane to Sydney.