On 5th October, Sydney will welcome more than 40 warships into its harbour along with our very own Prince Harry as the city and the Royal Australian Navy celebrate the International Fleet Review.
Prince Harry is expected to receive a hats off three cheers royal salute next month from thousands of sailors as he stands pride of place at Sydney Harbour. It is expected he will be accompanied by Governor-General Quentin Bryce and take the salute either from a Royal Barge or other vessel as the 40 warships sail by. According to notable sources, the Prince is odds on to be the guest of honour at the Royal Australian Navy’s centenary celebrations although this will not be confirmed officially until at least a week before arrival.
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. Every one of the 40 warships that enter the harbour on October 4th will formally salute the HMAS Sydney memorial on Bradleys Head. The review will also see flypasts by 37 types of military and civilian aircraft, ranging from helicopters to Hornet jet fighters.
On Saturday 5th October the centrepiece to the review will take place, a fireworks and light show spectacular is to take place focused on the Harbour Bridge and Sydney Opera House and for the first time ever fireworks will be launched from the decks of Australia’s Navy warships. This will signal the start of the biggest party Sydney has seen since the bicentenary.
Prince Harry is a helicopter pilot in the British Army and is an Afghanistan veteran. His last visit to Australia was in 2003 where he spent most of his time working on a Queensland sheep station.
photo credit: Royal Navy Media Archive via photopin cc
A very good excuse to avoid Sydney at the start of next month then. I have no interest in getting close to royalty, but there are a lot of crazy people out there who have an unhealthy interest.
If the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge come to Sydney, I won’t be joining the crowds. Only because I don’t like crowds and avoid them at all costs. >.>
I wonder when Prince Harry will pop the question ?
Sp world is in danger. it will be.