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ABC News
ABC News
Lifestyle
By Rosie King

Royals made secret trip to Gundagai ahead of Commonwealth Games

Prince Charles and the Duchess of Cornwall made a secret stop in regional New South Wales ahead of the Commonwealth Games on the Gold Coast.

The Royal couple were spotted getting on a plane at Wagga Wagga Airport on Wednesday morning, on an Australian Air Force plane bound for Brisbane.

The ABC understands they had spent several days staying at Deltroit Station, near Gundagai in the Riverina.

MH Premium Farms, owned by British-Australian businessman Sir Michael Hintze, bought the property in 2016.

Cootamundra-Gundagai Mayor Abb McAlister said the visit was a first for his region.

"Prince Charles and Camilla are the first Royals to come to Gundagai," he said.

"They're probably the biggest name we've had visit actually.

"But we welcome everyone here, not just royalty."

A spokesperson for MH Premium Farms said: "It is a private matter and we have no comment."

Prince Charles also reportedly visited small-scale farm Highfield Farm and Woodland to inspect its regenerative farming operations, according to a local, who added that the Prince had an interest in organic farming.

It is the Prince of Wales' 16th visit to Australia.

He and the Duchess will attend tonight's Commonwealth Games opening ceremony.

Over the next few days, Prince Charles will also tour the athlete's village, visit a Gold Coast beach, Bundaberg's Rum Distillery, the Great Barrier Reef and Cairns.

"Deltroit is a magnificent station, absolutely magnificent — it's a grazing property with cattle and sheep," Mayor McAlister said.

"It's only 800m from the highway and probably 200m up a dirt road. There's plenty of privacy for visitors.

"It's always had a fantastic homestead and stunning gardens. I'm sure Charles and Camilla would have had a lovely, relaxing time there."

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