The Duke of Cambridge has paid tribute to Australia, describing the nation as a “magnet” for investors, visitors and those wanting a better quality of life.
As the Cambridges’ tour Down Under draws to a close William praised his hosts’ legendary sporting prowess, flourishing arts and the important role they played on the world stage.
William and Kate stood shoulder to shoulder with Australians when they joined events marking Anzac Day – a national day of remembrance for the nation’s war dead, veterans and those still serving.
Speaking at a reception hosted by prime minister Tony Abbott at Parliament House in Canberra, William told the guests: “Australia has a quality of life and a level of excellence that makes it a magnet: an enormously attractive place to live, trade, invest, and indeed just visit. The arts and sciences flourish; Australian sporting success is legendary; agriculture – from the traditional to the technologically most advanced – is hugely successful. This is a country that is in the front rank internationally.
“We have both seen all this for ourselves. Australia may be known as ‘the Lucky Country’, but often the harder you work, the luckier you get. Australians make their own luck.”
William and Kate have spent more than a week visiting Sydney, Brisbane, Adelaide, and the iconic landmark of Uluru.
After the reception was entertained by award-winning indigenous Australian singer Geoffrey Gurrumul Yunupingu, the royal couple mingled with the 600 guests. The royal couple’s day began with a visit to the new national arboretum in Canberra, where they spoke to children about conservation projects.
Kate confessed she was sweltering in her bright green Catherine Walker coat-dress.
In the evening, Governor-General Sir Peter Cosgrove hosted a drinks reception for the couple at his official residence, Government House, where the duke and duchess are staying with baby George.