Britain’s future king, Prince William, has remembered his late mother Diana, Princess of Wales, during a speech at the Sydney Opera House.
The second in line to the throne spoke briefly of his mother’s “deep affection” for Australia when addressing a crowd of about 400 special guests, at a reception inside the iconic venue.
“My mother’s deep affection for Australia – which you were so kind to reciprocate – needs no reminder,” he said
William joined his parents Prince Charles and Princess Diana on their Royal Tour Down Under in 1983, when he was a similar age to his own son Prince George, who has come along with Wills and wife Catherine on their three-week Antipodean tour. William later visited Australia again as an adult in 2010.
The doting dad, now 31, also revealed his prediction for Prince George’s first word. “I suspect it might be ‘Bilby’ – only because ‘koala’ is harder to say.”
William said they were really looking forward to their time here together as a family.
“This visit to Australia has been one that Catherine and I have been looking forward to for a long time.
“Australia is an inspiring place, as this amazing Opera House shows so vividly, and I know that a truly unforgettable few days lie ahead.”
