Camilla, the Duchess of Cornwall, and a horse and racing enthusiast, will present the Melbourne Cup to the winner of the race that stops a nation.
Accompanying her Prince Charles on an official six-day visit to Australia next month, the royal couple have willingly accepted an invitation from race organisers to play a key role at Flemington on the famous 'first Tuesday in November'. (It's also the US Presidential election).
While Camilla will present the Melbourne Cup, Prince Charles has been invited to present the trophy of Race 6 on Melbourne Cup Day - the Diamond Jubilee Plate.
The Diamond Jubilee of Prince Charles' mother, the Queen, is the reason for the Royal couple's visit.
An official Palace spokesperson said the theme of the Jubilee is 'service to others' and Camilla and Charles are setting a cracking pace. They will fit five states and Canberra into their six days trying to meet as many people as possible.
They will arrive in Longreach on Monday 5 November. Longreach is the 'birthplace' of Qantas and Governor-General, Quentin Bryce, as well as home to the Stockman's Hall of Fame which was opened by Queen Elizabeth II in 1988. Charles and Camilla will also visit Melbourne, Adelaide, Hobart, Sydney and Canberra and then head for New Zealand. In Canberra, they will meet with Prime Minister Julia Gillard and Opposition Leader Tony Abbott.
They will also meet privately with family members of Australian soldiers recently killed in action.
Prior to arriving in Australia, Charles and Camilla will visit PNG where Camilla is scheduled to support an education program on preventing violence against women.
Prince Charles, who celebrates his 64th birthday, has visited Australia, PNG and New Zealand before, but it is first visit for Camilla.
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