The upcoming state visit is poised to bolster the already robust relationship between Australia and Denmark, enhancing cooperation across cultural, economic, and foreign policy domains. This initiative builds upon the strategic partnership forged in 2023, with a focus on collaborative efforts in the green transition and economic security.
Prominent among the priorities will be the green transition, spotlighting participation from 55 Danish companies in the business initiative “Partnering for a Green, Secure, and Sustainable Tomorrow,” which emphasizes renewable energy and energy-efficient urban development. Additionally, the program will address nature and cultural preservation, emphasizing their importance in this collaborative endeavor.
PROGRAMS
Please note, the program is subject to change.
Saturday, 14 March
Uluṟu, Northern Territory
Welcome by the First Nations Community
Their Majesties will receive a formal welcome at the Uluṟu-Kata Tjuṯa National Park Cultural Centre. Senior Aṉangu will conduct a tour of the center and greet The King and Queen with an evocative traditional dance, known as inma.
Visit to Kulata Academy Café
Their Majesties will engage with students working at the café as part of their training program. The Kulata Academy Café is part of the National Indigenous Training Academy (NITA), which provides paid internships and traineeships in tourism and hospitality for Indigenous young people from across Australia.
Sunset at Uluṟu
Accompanied by Senior Aṉangu, Their Majesties will visit a lookout to witness the breathtaking sunset over Uluṟu. As the Traditional Owners of Uluṟu-Kata Tjuta National Park, the Aṉangu people have stewarded this land for tens of thousands of years. Uluṟu, a striking sandstone formation that rises 348 meters above the flat desert, undergoes a captivating transformation of color as the sun rises and sets, casting magnificent red and orange hues.
Sunday, 15 March
Uluṟu, Northern Territory
Sunrise at Uluṟu
Their Majesties will be guided on a visit to Muṯitjulu Waterhole at sunrise, a site imbued with profound cultural and spiritual significance for the Aṉangu people.
Canberra, Australian Capital Territory
Ceremonial Welcome by the Governor-General
At Government House Canberra, Their Majesties will be welcomed by the Governor-General of the Commonwealth of Australia, HE the Hon Ms. Sam Mostyn AC, and her partner, HE Mr. Simeon Beckett SC. Canberra, as Australia’s capital, serves as the political and administrative hub, home to the government and Parliament.
State Banquet
An official state banquet will be hosted at Government House by the Governor-General, featuring speeches from both the Governor-General and The King.
Monday, 16 March
Canberra, Australian Capital Territory
Wreath-laying at the War Memorial
Their Majesties, joined by the Governor-General, will pay tribute to the service of the Australian Defense Forces in various conflicts since World War I. After the ceremony, The King and Queen will take a moment to walk in front of the monument.
Meeting with Prime Minister Anthony Albanese
Their Majesties will meet with Prime Minister, The Honorable Anthony Albanese MP. At Parliament House, they will also be introduced to a selection of Indigenous Works from the Australian Parliament House art collection.
Meeting with the Denmark-Australia Parliamentary Friendship Group
The King and Queen will engage with members of this parliamentary group, representing all Australian states and territories.
Opening of the Danish-Australian Life Science Event
Their Majesties will officially inaugurate a conference focused on fostering collaboration among governments, businesses, and research institutions in innovation, prevention, and health solutions, underscoring Denmark’s leadership in the life sciences sector.
Tuesday, 17 March
Melbourne, Victoria
Reception at Government House Victoria
Their Majesties will be welcomed to Victoria by the Governor, HE Professor the Hon Margaret Gardner AC, and her partner, Professor Glyn Davis AC. This reception will be followed by a lunch with representatives from both Danish and Australian business sectors.
Following lunch, a Royal Business Walk will spotlight ten Danish companies participating in the Danish Strongholds initiative.
Short Urban Walk on Sustainable Renovation
The King and Queen will take a brief walk through the Prahran redevelopment area, inspecting sustainable housing projects both completed and under construction. The walk will conclude with The Queen sharing her insights on sustainable transformation, drawing from her experiences with the Fredensborg Annex.
Visit to Port of Melbourne
Their Majesties will tour the Port of Melbourne, exploring its pivotal role in the green transition and sustainable maritime solutions. The visit will include the signing of two Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) and a presentation of Danish innovations in renewable energy.
Visit to Melbourne Cricket Ground
The King and Queen will attend an event with the Australian Football League (AFL), celebrating the shared sporting culture that bridges Denmark and Australia, particularly in Australian rules football.
Wednesday, 18 March
Melbourne, Victoria
Opening of the Business Conference
Their Majesties will participate in the Royal Business Walk alongside businesses from the Green Buildings and Renewable Energy sectors, followed by the official opening of the conference “Partnering for a Green, Secure, and Sustainable Tomorrow.”
Visit to Melbourne Children’s Campus
The King and Queen will gain insights into the Danish-Australian collaboration in stem cell research, discussing ongoing projects that include contributions from Aarhus University.
Visit to Headspace South Melbourne
Highlighting the importance of youth mental health, Their Majesties will visit Headspace South Melbourne. CEO Jason Trethowan will brief them about the organization’s efforts to provide safe spaces for young people, followed by interactions with some of the centre’s clients.
Opening of Art Exhibition
Their Majesties will unveil an exhibition by the Danish-Australian artistic duo Rhoda Ting & Mikkel Bojesen, showcasing their exploration of the interplay between nature and culture, as well as the natural and the synthetic.
Return Reception at the Royal Botanical Garden
Their Majesties will host a reception titled “An Evening in the Garden” at Melbourne’s Royal Botanical Garden. The King will deliver a welcome toast, marking this occasion as a chance to express gratitude to Australia’s Governor-General, government, and partners, while mingling with invited guests.
Thursday, 19 March
Hobart, Tasmania
Welcome to Hobart, Tasmania
Their Majesties will be greeted in Tasmania by Governor, HE the Hon Barbara Baker AC, including a traditional smoking ceremony led by an Aboriginal representative to honor the land and its people.
Visit to Alum Cliffs Marine Reserve
The King and Queen will join marine researchers from the Institute for Marine and Antarctic Studies (IMAS) to learn about kelp forest restoration and marine biodiversity while highlighting the impacts of climate change on marine ecosystems.
Visit to INCAT Shipyard
Their Majesties will tour the INCAT shipyard in Hobart, renowned for building high-speed catamarans. Currently, it is constructing the world’s largest battery-powered ferries for Danish operator Molslinjen. They will observe the dock and the battery compartment of a completed ferry.
Visit to The Agrarian Kitchen
Their Majesties will explore this award-winning cooking school and restaurant that emphasizes sustainable and circular food practices.
Visit to MONA, The Museum of Old and New Art
Their Majesties will take a tour of MONA alongside its founder, David Walsh, and attend a pop-up concert featuring Danish electropop duo ROYA in one of the museum’s exhibition spaces.
Short City Walk through Hunter Street
The King and Queen will stroll along Hunter Street, known for its historic buildings and vibrant culture.
State Reception
The Tasmanian Governor, HE the Hon Barbara Baker AC, will host a state reception for specially invited guests, marking the conclusion of The King and Queen’s state visit to Australia.
