Odd detail in King Charles' Australia trip slammed by radio host: 'National embarrassment'

Radio shock jock Kyle Sandilands has called out a rather strange detail about King Charles and Queen Camilla’s royal tour of Australia. The royals flew into the country on Friday evening, marking the first visit by a reigning king to Australia, and are set to leave on Wednesday.

They began their royal engagements on Sunday morning attending a church service in North Sydney and greeting crowds. While fans were thrilled to have a chance to meet the King and Queen, their surprising mode of transport left plenty of people scratching their heads.

Kyle remarked on The Kyle and Jackie O Show on Monday morning that he believes it’s a “national embarrassment” that the royal couple are being driven around in an Audi SUV.

“Can I ask why are the King and Queen being driven around Australia in an Audi hatchback? Like what the hell is going on there?” he said.

“Did everyone see that? The King is usually in this big custom-made Bentley and we’ve squeezed him in an Audi hatchback. What’s the go? That to me is a national embarrassment.”

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Although King Charles and Queen Camilla’s luxury electric vehicle may not appear as lavish as a limousine or a horse-drawn carriage, it is an SQ8 e-tron which costs around $188,000.

A spokesperson for Audi Australia told Yahoo Lifestyle the brand is “honoured to provide the King and Queen with the Audi SQ8 e-tron during their visit to Australia”.

“As our largest all-electric SUV, this vehicle combines advanced technology, premium appointment, and practicality, ensuring a comfortable and secure experience for Their Majesties,” they said.

Why are King Charles and Queen Camilla being driven around in an Audi?

It was announced earlier this year that Audi UK had been awarded a royal warrant from King Charles as a supplier of motor vehicles to the Royal Household. Director of Audi UK Andrew Doyle confirmed in May that the German carmaker would work closely with the monarch and his team for a three-year period.

“I am truly honoured and delighted to be informed that Audi UK has been awarded a royal warrant by King Charles as a supplier of motor vehicles to the Royal Household,” he wrote on LinkedIn. “The royal warrant is bestowed upon us for another three years and I couldn’t be prouder to work for the Audi brand at this time having received this news.”

King Charles’ personal vehicle is an electric Audi e-tron SUV, while Prince William has been spotted driving Audi’s e-tron GT sports sedan.

Where to see the King and Queen in Sydney

People in Sydney will be able to see Charles and Camilla on Tuesday, October 22 at 4:20pm, when they will visit the Sydney Opera House Forecourt. Entry will open at 3pm for royal fans.

This will be followed by a fleet review at Man O'War Steps and fly past by the Australian Defence Force on Sydney Harbour, which will finish at 5:20pm. The best spots to secure a viewing point of this will be Farm Cove, Royal Botanic Gardens and Mrs Macquarie's Chair. You will need to be in place no later than 3:50pm.

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Speaking about the visit, NSW Premier Chris Minns said: “We are lighting up the Sydney Opera House to warmly welcome The King and Queen to our beautiful harbour city. The photo projection on the Opera House sails celebrates a historic moment - The King’s first visit to NSW as Sovereign - and is a fitting tribute.

“I also invite everyone to the Opera House forecourt next Tuesday afternoon to join The King and Queen. NSW is looking forward to hosting this milestone visit and I encourage everyone to make the most of it.”

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