Prince Harry to Visit Australia

Britain's Prince Harry makes a speech at the Friends of the Forces Awards in London on July 13, 2010. The royal will visit Australia next month for events in Sydney marking the Royal Australian Navy's centenary of service, Australian Prime Minister Tony Abbott has said. (AFP/File) 

Britain's Prince Harry will visit Australia next month for events in Sydney marking the Royal Australian Navy's centenary of service, Prime Minister Tony Abbott said Monday.

"Whilst Prince Harry visited Australia privately in his gap year in 2003, this will be his first official visit to Australia," Abbott said in a statement.

"During his visit next month, Prince Harry will attend the International Fleet Review in Sydney to mark the centenary of the first entry of the Royal Australian Navy's Fleet into Sydney."

Abbott said Australians had great warmth towards members of the royal family and Prince Harry, the fourth in line to the British throne, would be an "honoured visitor".

"As a member of the armed forces, Prince Harry has continued a long tradition of duty and service," he said.
"His work and advocacy for numerous charitable organisations has also been an important focus of his public life."

The Royal Australian Navy will commemorate the arrival of its first fleet 100 years ago into Sydney Harbour with a spectacular International Fleet Review from October 3. Some 54 international warships and 17 tall ships will take part.

The British royals are generally popular in Australia. The country rejected the opportunity to cut ties to the monarchy in a 1999 referendum, with just over 45 percent of voters saying "yes" to a republic.

Prince Harry's Hats-off Three Cheers Salute in Sydney Harbour Naval Extravaganza

PRINCE Harry - the playboy royal and fourth in line to the British throne - is expected to receive a hats-off three cheers royal salute from thousands of sailors on Sydney Harbour next month.

It is understood Harry will be accompanied by Governor-general Quentin Bryce when he takes the royal salute by sailing past some 40 warships on board a royal barge or another navy boat.

According to well-placed sources the prince is odds-on to be guest of honour at the Royal Australian Navy's centenary celebrations, however no official announcement will be made until a week before the gala event on Sydney Harbour between October 3 and 10.

"It is highly likely that Harry will be in Sydney although no details have been firmed up,'' a source said.

The International Fleet Review will mark the 100th anniversary of the arrival in Sydney of the brand new seven-ship Royal Australian Navy fleet led by the flagship HMAS Australia in October 1913.

The centenary will be officially celebrated on October 5 with a royal review by the prince of 21 RAN vessels and 19 overseas warships as well as 16 tall ships that will sail into the harbour on October 3.

Each warship will formally salute the HMAS Sydney memorial on Bradleys Head as they enter the harbour on October 4.

Prince Harry stands in front of an Apache Helicopter a few days after the royal, a trainee Apache helicopter pilot, passed the half-decade milestone to become a captain. Source: Getty Images

The review will also feature fly-pasts by 37 types of military and civilian aircraft ranging from helicopters to Hornet jet fighters.

Palace sources remain tight-lipped about any trip to Australia.

A spokesman for Kensington Palace, Prince Harry's official mouthpiece, said it simply was not currently in a position to comment.

"Announcements of overseas visits by members of the Royal Family are made in due course after an official invitation is received,'' the spokesman said.

Prince Harry visits The Royal Marines Tamar on August 2, 2013. Picture: Getty Source: Getty Images

On the question of whether his current girlfriend Cressida Bonas was also planning to visit Sydney at the same time, the spokesman said that was a matter for her, but there were no plans for her to accompany Prince Harry on any trip whether domestic or overseas.

Royal commentators scoffed at rumours that a royal would ever take a girlfriend on an overseas trip, as completely contrary to all protocols for any official royal or government official.

The centrepiece of the International Fleet review will be a fireworks and light show spectacular focused on the Harbour Bridge and Sydney Opera House on the evening of Saturday October 5.

For the first time Australia's fireworks capital will see pyrotechnics launched from the decks of navy warships.

A fleet of eight tall ships took sail on Port Phillip Bay participating in events leading up to International Fleet Day in Sydney next month. Source: News Limited

This will signal the start of the biggest party seen in Sydney since the Bicentenary with 8000 cashed up sailors and tens of thousands of revellers set to spend up to $100 million during the week-long celebration that will cost taxpayers about $6 million to stage.

A projection show will be seen on both sides of the Opera House sails, the eastern side of the Harbour Bridge pylons and the roof of the Australian National Maritime Museum in Darling Harbour.

Britain's Prince Harry. Picture: Source: AP

Prince Harry or Captain Wales, 30, is a British Army helicopter pilot and Afghanistan war veteran and has visited Australia once before - in 2003, when he spent most of his time working on a Queensland sheep station.

The NSW Government has been lobbying hard for his possible visit to be turned into a full-blown Royal tour, but that is unlikely given his heavy work commitments.

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Princess Package at Metro Apartments on Darling Harbour

Metro Apartments Darling Harbour is rolling out the red carpet when Crown Princess Mary and Crown Prince Frederik arrive in Sydney to officially launch the Opera House’s 40th birthday celebrations on October 20.  

In celebration of the anniversary, the City of Sydney is planning a week of events that will culminate in a Gala Birthday Concert on October 27 with performances by Sydney Symphony, Sydney Philarmonia Choirs and Opera Australia.

Located opposite the Slip Inn where the couple first met, Metro Apartments Darling Harbour has released a special Princess Package at $229.00 per night (Sunday – Thursday) and $349.00 per night (Friday – Saturday), giving both international and local visitors to Sydney the opportunity to be pampered like royalty:

Princess Package

• One night’s accommodation in a one bedroom Executive Apartment with stunning views of Darling Harbour and floor to ceiling cathedral windows overlooking Darling Harbour
• Complimentary sparkling wine and chocolates
• Noon checkout
• Minimum 2 night stay
• Valid until October 31, 2013

Book this Princess Package at Metro Apartments on Darling Harbour 

With 32 recently renovated loft-style one-bedroom apartments, each with a queen sized bed and sofa bed, Metro Apartments Darling Harbour offer all the comforts of home with the convenience of a perfect city location. 

Located in two separate buildings in Sussex and King Streets, guests can choose from the larger, contemporary-styled Sussex St apartments with views over Darling Harbour or a New York styled King Street apartment with access to rooftop pool.

All apartments have full kitchen and laundry facilities, spacious living rooms with cathedral windows and bedroom. They are designed as a home away from home where guests can relax at the end of a long day’s sightseeing, or just have a break before venturing out again to explore more of one of the world’s most famous and beautiful cities. Discount parking is provided at the nearby Kings Parking on Sussex Street.

View this press release and more at Metro Hotels Press Releases

Special Princess Package to welcome Danish Royals

Media Release

September 2, 2013

Special Princess Package to welcome Danish Royals

Metro Apartments Darling Harbour is rolling out the red carpet when Crown Princess Mary and Crown Prince Frederik arrive in Sydney to officially launch the Opera House’s 40^th birthday celebrations on October 20. 

In celebration of the anniversary, the City of Sydney is planning a week of events that will culminate in a Gala Birthday Concert on October 27 with performances by Sydney Symphony, Sydney Philarmonia Choirs and Opera Australia.

Located opposite the Slip Inn where the couple first met, Metro Apartments Darling Harbour 

has released a special Princess Package at $229 per night (Sunday – Thursday) and $349 per night (Friday – Saturday), giving both international and local visitors to Sydney the opportunity to be pampered like royalty:

Princess Package

§     One night’s accommodation in a one bedroom Executive Apartment with stunning views of Darling Harbour and floor to ceiling cathedral windows overlooking Darling Harbour

§     Complimentary sparkling wine and chocolates

§     Noon checkout

§     Minimum 2 night stay

§     Valid until October 31, 2013

With 32 recently renovated loft-style one-bedroom apartments, each with a queen sized bed and sofa bed, Metro Apartments Darling Harbour offer all the comforts of home with the convenience of a perfect city location.

Located in two separate buildings in Sussex and King Streets, guests can choose from the larger, contemporary-styled Sussex St apartments with views over Darling Harbour or a New York styled King Street apartment with access to rooftop pool.

All apartments have full kitchen and laundry facilities, spacious living rooms with cathedral windows and bedroom. They are designed as a home away from home where guests can relax at the end of a long day’s sightseeing, or just have a break before venturing out again to explore more of one of the world’s most famous and beautiful cities. Discount parking is provided at the nearby Kings Parking on Sussex Street.

Book the Princess Package at Metro Apartments Darling Harbour by calling the toll free Central Reservations line on 1800 004 321. Alternately, bookings can be made online at www.metrohotels.com.au. 

Metro Hotels is the public face of Transmetro Corporation, an Australian owned public company listed on the Australian Stock Exchange. The Group currently provides a national accommodation network of properties, with over 1000 rooms in key locations and major cities across Australia.

The Band of Her Majesty’s Royal Marines Tour

The Band of Her Majesty’s Royal Marines, famed for their precision marching and musical versatility, will perform a concert featuring military classics to jazz and big band favourites. This concert will display the outstanding versatility of some of the world’s finest military musicians.

There really is something for everyone as the Royal Marines display their incredible musicianship and pageantry.  A wide range of musical styles includes music from the big screen and superb solo items. This concert would not be complete without the famous traditional marches and overtures that have proved such a hit with audiences over the years with the Royal Marines’ exceptional display of precision and skill.

The 90 minute performance is a testimony to the professionalism of the world’s finest military bands, proudly demonstrating talents acquired over many years of practice and experience both in the classroom and on the parade square.

When: Monday 9 October 2013
Where: Capitol Theatre Sydney - 13 Campbell Street, Haymarket NSW 2000 Australia
Tickets: http://www.ticketmaster.com.au/Band-of-Her-Majestys-Royal-Marines-tickets/artist/1191547

Staying in SYDNEY for The Band of Her Majesty’s Royal Marines?

Need a hotel room close to Capitol Theatre Sydney?

Look no further than Metro Hotel Sydney Central - RIGHT next to the Capitol Theatre Sydney whilst being close to other iconic Sydney attractions. 

Website: Metro Hotel Sydney Central

Metro Hotel Sydney Central is offering this Capitol Theatre Hotel Package

For $165.00 per room per night you get:

• One night's accommodation in a Superior Queen Room
• Hot Buffet Breakfast for 2 adults
• Extended check-out to 12 noon the following day

• Book Online and Terms here: http://www.metrohotels.com.au/special/242
• Or call: 02 9281 6999

Want to try another hotel? Metro Hotel on Pitt, only a 10 minute walk to Capitol Theatre.

Website: Metro Hotel on Pitt

Metro Hotel on Pitt is offering this Winter Sydney CBD Getaway Hotel Package

For $134.00 per room per night you get:

• Free WiFi
• A bottle of wine on arrival
• Late check out of 12 noon
• Staying in a Standard\Single\double\twin room*

• Book Online and Terms here: http://www.metrohotels.com.au/special/306
• Or call: 02 9283 8088

Other Metro Hotels and Apartments:

• Metro Apartments on Darling Harbour (the closest train station is Wynyard)
• Aspire Hotel Sydney Ultimo (13 minutes walk to Central station)

Cruise Sydney: NNS Thunder Heads To Australia For International Fleet Review

Nigeria’s NNS Thunder has left the city of Calabar to represent Africa for the Royal Australian Navy’s International Fleet Review (IFR) slated for 3rd to the 11th of October this year in Sydney, Australia.

Joining about  Fifty other countries of the world including Russia and America and South Africa being the second African country to represent the continent, the international event is to be reviewed by the queen of England to mark the 200 years battle of Trafalgar.

The Flag officer Commanding Eastern Naval Command Rear Admiral Joe Aikhomu disclosed this at the Nigerian Port Authority NPA jetty in Calabar, Cross River State Capital been venue for the take-off point of the NNS thunder ship conveying forty officers and 140 ratings of Nigerian Navy participating.

According to the Rear Admiral the voyage to Sidney is a friendly and diplomatic expedition urging the crew to see the mission as a training program meant to enhance the Navy’s proficiency.

NNS THUNDER will be making outbound port calls at Luanda, Cape Town, Port Louis, Freemantle and Sydney and on the in-bound leg visit Melbourne, Albany, Port Des Galet, Durban, Walvis Bay and Pointe Noire.

The officers on board are expected to be back to the country within the next four to five months.

Prince George May Visit Australia Next Year as Prince William Says Royal Baby Is 'Loud But Good-Looking'

Prince William Says the New Family will be Visiting Australia Next Year

While mingling with the crowd at Anglesey county fair, William told visiting Australian couple Max and Maxine Davies, from Victor Harbor, south of Adelaide, that the new family hope to travel to Australia soon.

"George is doing really well, thank you,” he said, according to UK media reports. "We are all very hopefully coming to Australia next year."

The couple’s son, Mark Davies, said it was his mother’s second brush with royalty.

“She actually met Prince Charles, I think it was back in 1969. It was while she was on another holiday over in the UK.”

“It’s all pretty exciting, especially for mum who’s a fanatical royalist.”

Mr Davies said his parents, retired farmers who moved from Naracoorte to Victor Harbor in 2004, were about a week into a two-month trip of Britain and Europe that included visiting family near Manchester, a trip to Spain and a Mediterranean cruise.

“I haven’t heard from them just yet, but I imagine they’re just as thrilled about it as everyone over here seems to be,” the Naracoorte resident said.

Victor Harbor Bowling Club member Bill Aldridge, who plays with Max Davies, hopes his fellow player’s conversation with Prince William was enough to convince him to visit Victor Harbor while in Australia.

“We’d love him to come down to our new bowling green,” he said.

“It would definitely lift the spirits in Victor Harbor and create a bit of a buzz having royalty around, although I know the chances are pretty slim.”

The trip would echo Prince William’s trip to Australia as a baby with Princess Diana and Prince Charles in 1983, when he was less than a year old.

William also opened up on parenthood, telling the crowd that baby Prince George is "loud but good looking".

"Catherine in sorry that she cannot be here today at the County Show," William said in his speech, before chatting with locals, inspecting livestock and participating in a falconry display.