National

PM meets Commonwealth leaders at Buckingham Palace

By AAP Newswire

May 6, 2023

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese joined other Commonwealth leaders for a group photo with the King. -AP

Commonwealth heads of government including Prime Minister Anthony Albanese have lunched at Buckingham Palace ahead of King Charles' coronation.

Hold tight - we’re checking permissions before loading more content

Mr Albanese had earlier on Friday met United Kingdom Prime Minister Rishi Sunak for talks he said focused on the AUKUS pact, trade and combating climate change.

Mr Albanese told reporters after the 30-minute meeting in Downing Street he was glad the UK-Australian free trade deal had been completed in time for the King's coronation, which he called a "historic event of enormous significance".

Mr Albanese announced on Thursday the trade agreement would come into force on May 31.

The PA news agency reported the Princess of Wales, one of several royals at the lunch on Friday, was seen speaking with Mr Albanese and New Zealand Prime Minister Chris Hipkins.

The King, who is head of the Commonwealth, then joined a meeting of the leaders at Marlborough House in London.

The monarch mingled with leaders before they all gathered in the garden for a group photograph with the Commonwealth mace.

Representatives from 203 countries will be in London for the King's coronation on Saturday.

with PA

By AAP Newswire

Australian Associated Press