23 October 2024
It’s not every day you make the King laugh.
Leading Seaman Emlie Deloraine, from Australia's Federation Guard, was part of the Royal Guard that welcomed Their Majesties King Charles III and Queen Camilla, and members of the Australian Government to Parliament House on October 21.
As the reviewing officer, King Charles walked along the ranks of the servicemen and women, stopping to speak to personnel as he inspected their dress and bearing.
Leading Seaman Deloraine wasn’t expecting King Charles to stop and have a chat.
“He asked me if I like the Federation Guard,” Leading Seaman Deloraine said.
“I said, ‘Yep, loving it, weather’s great and I’m having a great day’.
“He was very easy to talk to. We had a giggle together so he seems like a lovely man.”
The Federation Guard also fired M2A2 Howitzer ceremonial guns during a 21-gun salute to mark the King’s first royal visit as sovereign and the first visit from a reigning monarch since 2011.
“Speaking to the King and meeting him is special, it’s pretty hard to top,” Leading Seaman Deloraine said.
Another Royal Guard member, Federation Guard Sergeant Major Warrant Officer Class Two (WO2) Damien Timms, was in London for King Charles’ coronation last year.
This year, he got to stand face-to-face with the monarch.
“His first comment was about how I seemed to be the man with all the medals,” WO2 Timms said.
'Getting to meet the King up close, rather than giving him a hip-hip-hooray in London, was the highlight of my career and probably my life.'
One medal in particular caught King Charles’ eye.
“We talked about the coronation medal and he was glad that I'd finally received it.”
The Federation Guard led a contingent of Commonwealth nations from Westminster Abbey to Buckingham Palace for the King’s coronation last year.
The 60 ADF servicemen and women who took part were awarded the King’s Coronation Medal.
“Getting to meet the King up close, rather than giving him a hip-hip-hooray in London, was the highlight of my career and probably my life,” WO2 Timms said.
Air Force Federation Guard member Corporal Fiona Entriken was a little nervous before she marched onto the Parliament House forecourt ready to welcome King Charles and Queen Camilla.
But it wasn’t for the reason you think.
“It was the first time my family came to watch me in the Federation Guard,” Corporal Entriken said.
“My mum, aunty and sister came to see the King and watch me in the Royal Guard.
“It was such an important event, and taking part with my family watching was a proud moment.”
During the tour, Their Majesties visited the Australian War Memorial and Parliament House in Canberra before observing a Royal Australian Navy Fleet Review and ADF flyover along Sydney Harbour.
King Charles was appointed the Honorary Ranks of Admiral of the Fleet of the Royal Australian Navy, Field Marshal of the Australian Army and Marshal of the Royal Australian Air Force by the Governor-General of Australia Sam Mostyn.
