King Charles is set to embark on a six-day tour of Australia, marking his 17th visit to the country since he first arrived as a shy teenager in 1966. This trip holds significant importance, as it will be his first tour Down Under as king. Charles has a long-standing connection with Australia, having spent time there during his formative years.

Charles’ first visit to Australia took place in 1966, when he was sent to the secluded alpine Timbertop school in regional Victoria. During his two-term stay, he spent time chopping logs to make firewood and undertaking grueling hikes in the nearby woods. Reflecting on his time at Timbertop, Charles later said, “While I was here, I had the Pommy bits bashed off me,” also describing it as “by far the best part” of his education.

Media magnate Rupert Murdoch and former British Prime Minister Boris Johnson also have ties to Timbertop, with Murdoch studying there and Johnson working as an assistant.

In 1979, Charles took a break from royal duties to enjoy the Australian surf. He was spotted at the iconic Bondi Beach in Sydney, where he braved the cold waters without a wetsuit. “By gee, it’s bloody cold,” he said. “Reminds me of home.” During a later visit to Western Australia, Charles was photographed being kissed on the cheek by a bikini-clad model, an image that has become an iconic moment in his public life.

During a 1977 interview on the music television show Countdown, Charles was asked by host Molly Meldrum about his mother, with Meldrum saying, “I saw your mum in London.” Charles responded with a frosty, “Are you referring to Her Majesty the Queen?”

Charles returned to Australia with his wife Diana in 1983, drawing large crowds eager to see the “people’s princess.” The couple’s first royal tour together was notable for Diana breaking royal protocol by bringing baby William along. A touching moment from their dancefloor whirl at Sydney’s Wentworth Hotel would later inspire a scene in the hit show The Crown.

Charles has not been without controversy during his Australian visits. In 1994, he narrowly escaped harm when a 23-year-old assailant fired blank rounds in a mock assassination attempt staged to raise awareness for asylum seekers. As security wrestled the gunman to the ground, Charles was seen calmly fiddling with his cufflinks.

With his upcoming tour, King Charles will once again be on Australian soil, solidifying his connection to the country and its people.