King Charles III, Queen Camilla: Royals on the tongs for BBQ at Parramatta Park

King Charles and Queen Camilla have delighted fans after getting on the tongs and helping cook for hundreds of people at an invite-only community BBQ in western Sydney.

The event, hosted by NSW Premier Chris Minns and Mrs Anna Minns at Parramatta Park, was attended by 550 guests, including cricketer David Warner, original Blue Wiggle Anthony Field and comedian Ahn Do, as well as religious and cultural leaders and volunteers.

The Sydney sun had reached a sweltering 27C before the royal arrival, but that didn’t stop fans turning out in force and erupting in cheers and chants of “God save the King” for the royal arrival at 1pm.

The King wore a light grey suit, while the Queen donned a royal blue silk cotton dress with light embroidery by UK designer Fiona Clare for the occasion.

Both took a keen interest in what was cooking, even taking a turn on the tongs at the Surf Lifesaver’s BBQ. The King picked up the sausages and the Queen poked at them before both they jokingly snapped the tongs and handed them back.

On the menu was a culturally diverse lunch representing modern Australia: a Mediterranean BBQ prepared by MISC, a Vietnamese BBQ cooked by RICE Pantry, and, of course, the Aussie snags prepared by Surf Lifesaving NSW.

The King was also presented with a framed lifesaver’s hat. “Break glass in case of emergency”.

In a speech, the King praised the “top tucker” at the stalls he inspected and said Parramatta was a perfect spot to have such a gathering, as that is where the Indigenous people of the area used to gather, too.

“It is no wonder, I think, that Sydney is world famous for its cuisine, whether it’s smashed avo, a pav or a cab sav, and that is what I hope has been on display,” he said, before getting briefly lost in his notes.

“So being here in Western Sydney also gives me an opportunity see firsthand what I have heard about before, and that is that Parramatta and the region around it has become one of the most dynamic, enterprising and culturally diverse communities in the world.”

The King also referenced a previous visit to western Sydney nearly 50 years ago, and spoke of the time he spent in Liverpool and Richmond.

“It’s good to be back,” he said.

Amy Scott, the NSW Police officer who was the hero of the Bondi stabbings, was introduced in a sombre meeting with the King.

The two shared a personal moment, during which she told him about the awful tragedy that shocked Australia and the world.

Inspector Scott tracked down, confronted and fatally shot Westfield Bondi Junction stabber Joel Cauchi, who killed six people and injured 12 at the popular shopping centre in mid-April. She has been credited with saving many lives.

Their majesties also met Noemie Fox, who won gold in kayak cross in Paris, Indigenous entertainer Casey Donovan, writer, artist and Paralympian swimmer Timothy Hodge.

Charles and Camilla were shown an array of local produce from groups including Small Acres Cyder, Aquna Sustainable Murray Cod and Percora Dairy.

Nick and Jannene Geoghegan from Small Acres Cyder were thrilled to show off some of their non-alcoholic selection to the King and Queen.

The couple from Orange had done their research and discovered Charles last visited their region in 1979.

“The King hasn’t been to Orange since he visited a washing machine factory in 1979,” Mr Geoghegan said.

“We are thrilled to show him something a little different than that today.

“Our apple and pear cider was awarded gold first in the Sydney Royal competition run by the Royal Agricultural Society of NSW. So it’s great to serve a drink fit for royalty. I’m very excited.”

The King and Queen were treated to a sheepdog display by Murray Wilkinson and his young family from Yarrym Stock Dogs and Performance Horses.

Mr Wilkinson said he was “very excited but not nervous.”

“I’m looking forward to putting on a bit of show,” he said. “It’s great to show our sheep industry. It’s been under a fair bit of pressure recently. It’s great to show the King we are still sticking strong.”

Alongside children Jordan, 6 and Tanner, 4, the family took dogs Colt and Meg, through their paces, and sheared sheep.

The King and Queen paid close attention to the working dog display, something Mr Wilkinson feels is due to “farming being in Charles’ roots.”

“Things didn’t exactly go to plan but we got there. I think he enjoyed it and it was such an honour to show their majesties the dogs at work,” Mr Wilkinson said.

Charles and Camilla watched attentively, laughing as sheep acted out and showing delight as Colt brought order to the flock, ushering them into a nearby tent.

The royal couple is due to meet the public at the Sydney Opera House on Tuesday afternoon.