Meet the Aussies granted the royal seal of approval
As the time approaches for the royal event of the year - King Charles III’s coronation - more details are emerging.
And now, Australians everywhere can find out which of them have been selected to attend, with the nation’s finest 14 set to join Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and Governor-General David Hurley at the historic event.
As Albanese himself put it, “I’m honoured to represent Australia at the Coronation of the King and the Queen Consort, a historic occasion.
“I am proud to join a group of remarkable Australians who will also attend the Coronation, showcasing our truly diverse and dynamic nation.”
Among those heading to the United Kingdom with him is Matilda’s captain Sam Kerr, who also has the honour of acting as Australia’s flag bearer.
The remaining 13, like Sam, are Australians who have made immense contributions across the realms of arts, sports, defence, academic research, business, and medicine.
“Outstanding Australians have been chosen to show the world the best of our values,” the government’s announcement explained, “caring for others, serving [the] community and championing progress.”
Comedian and disability rights advocate Adam Hills MBE was invited, as well as entertainment heavyweight Nick Cave AO. Adam was appointed a Member of the Order of the British Empire in 2022 for his contributions to Paralympic sport and disability awareness, while Nick Cave was declared an Officer of the Order of Australia in 2017 for his service to the performing arts at both a national and international level.
Rounding out the arts and entertainment sector are Member of the Order of Australia soprano Yvonne Kenny, Wiradjuri-British artist Jasmine Coe, and ballet’s Leanne Benjamin AM OBE. Kenny received her award in 1989, while Benjamin was awarded her Officer of the Order of the British Empire in 2005, and appointed as a Member of the Order of Australia in 2015.
One of not-for-profit Street Side Medics’ founders and GP Dr Daniel Nour will also be in attendance, as will Wellcome Trust Studentship and PhD student Minette Salmon, nurse Emily Regan, and Professor Merryn Voysey, who assisted in the development of the Oxford-AstraZeneca vaccine.
And last but certainly not least, the group will be completed by public speaker and youth advocate Yasmin Poole, Corporal Daniel Keighran VC - who was the third soldier to ever be awarded the Victoria Cross for Australia - and Richard Joyes CV, who became the fifth person to receive the Cross of Valour in 2003.
Images: Getty