Albanese confirms talks underway to entice Prince William and Kate to Australia

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has confirmed talks are underway to entice Prince William and Princess Kate to Australia for an official tour next year.

Mr Albanese told British media a royal visit was on the cards for the Prince and Princess of Wales – and that he hoped it would fall in the school holidays to allow the couple to bring their children George, Charlotte and Louis.

Discussions on when the new King will make his first official visit to Australia as head of state have not begun.

Mr Albanese told British television network ITV: “There have been some preliminary discussions about the now Prince and Princess of Wales visiting Australia.

“And of course the Royal Family have always been welcome visitors here in Australia and they would be again.”

The last time William and Kate visited Australia was in 2014.

They took along nine-month-old Prince George, whose popularity was such that he was dubbed the “republican slayer”.

Asked if that status made him “nervous” to extend the invitation to the couple’s children, Mr Albanese – a known republican – said the young royals were more than welcome.

“I think I would hope that if they visit, they bring their children with them,” he added.

The revelation came as William and Kate paid a surprise visit to Australians stationed near London as they prepare to take part in Monday’s funeral service for Queen Elizabeth II.

William donned a navy suit adorned with his military medals while his wife wore a black coat dress and hat.

The couple told of how “strange” it felt to be planning the Queen’s funeral just three months after her Platinum Jubilee as they met soldiers from Australia, Canada and New Zealand.

William said his late grandmother would be looking down on her funeral and “hoping it all goes well”.

More than 90 members of the Australian Defence Force and Canadian Armed Forces have been rehearsing for Monday’s military procession at Pirbright Army Barracks in Surrey – one of the UK’s largest training bases.

The Prince and Princess spoke with Brigadier Grant Mason, the Head of Australian Defence Staff in London, and then met with 28 members of the Australian Defence Force.

The Australian troops were drawn from the Royal Australian Artillery, Royal Australian Engineers, Royal Australian Ordinance Corps, Royal Australian Infantry, Royal Australian Air Force Reserves and Royal Australian Navy.

Another 25 troops from the New Zealand Defence Force – who greeted the couple with a ceremonial haka – will also take part in the state funeral.

This weekend with The Sunday Times, a special 8-page pictorial wrap, The Queen in Colour. Amazing black and white photos of Her Majesty bought to life in spectacular colour for the first time. Only with The Sunday Times.

This weekend with The Sunday Times, a special 8-page pictorial wrap, The Queen in Colour. Amazing black and white photos of Her Majesty bought to life in spectacular colour for the first time. Only with The Sunday Times.