OPERA STARS

Royals greeted by 10,000 fans after heckling storm

- RUSSELL MYERS

THE King and Queen signed off their visit to Australia with a rapturous welcome and military flypast over Sydney Opera House.

Charles and Camilla were cheered while making their way down the steps of the landmark in front of the 10,000-strong crowd.

On the main concourse of the world-famous venue, which is celebrating 50 years, they posed for photos together, the Sydney Harbour Bridge as a stunning backdrop.

They met performers including Dame Joanna Lumley, whose live tour Me & My Travels had a sold-out night there yesterday.

The warm welcome in Sydney marked a turning point in the tour after the King and Queen were heckled in the Canberra parliament by indigenous senator Lidia Thorpe, who accused the royals of genocide.

Just hours later, Charles visited the National Centre of Indigenous Excellence to be greeted by Uncle Allan Murray from the Metropolitan Local Aboriginal Land Council, who told of his people's quest for a sovereign land.