My, that’s a big one! Prince Charles gawps at Aboriginal elder's two-metre long ceremonial club as he tries out a boomerang and takes part in an ancient smoking ceremony on his tour of Australia

  • Prince Charles has taken part in a traditional smoking ceremony with Kuku Yalanjo Aboriginal elder on Sunday
  • The royal was given guided tour by Indigenous Australia of Daintree Rainforest in far north Queensland
  • Earlier in the day, the prince continued his tour of Australia by attending a church ceremony in Cairns
  • The heir to the throne was greeted by well wishers, including Leila Sherwood, who first met him 40 years ago
  • Clutching a newspaper clipping from the time, the 54-year-old reminded Prince Charles of their meeting
  • The prince has had a packed-out schedule while in Australia, visiting the Great Barrier Reef and Bundaberg 

Advertisement

Prince Charles was left astonished by an Aboriginal elder's huge ceremonial club as the royal was treated to an ancient smoking ceremony.

The prince was left gawping at an impressive two-metre long ceremonial club as he toured one of Australia's most pristine rainforests in far north Queensland.

A Kuku Yalanji Aboriginal elder showed off the huge tool, believed to be made of mulga wood, which is often used in ceremonies, in battle, for digging, for grooving tools or decorating weapons.

The heavy pole, which is capable of splitting a shield or knocking out prey, was just one of the traditional hunting tools the British prince laid his eyes on during the tour on Sunday.

One Aboriginal elder has shown off some of his most authentic, hand-crafted wooden tools to Prince Charles (pictured)

One Aboriginal elder has shown off some of his most authentic, hand-crafted wooden tools to Prince Charles (pictured)

The prince was impressed by a two-metre long ceremonial club (pictured) used in battle or for hunting

The prince was left gaping at an impressive two-metre long ceremonial club (pictured) which are used in battle or for hunting

The 69-year-old royal was seen taking a look at a boomerang handed to him by the Aboriginal elder in north Queensland

The Kuku Yalanji Aboriginal elder was seen explaining to Prince Charles (pictured together) how the hunting tool is used

The Kuku Yalanji Aboriginal elder was seen explaining to Prince Charles (pictured together) how the hunting tool is used

Prince Charles, who began the national tour on Wednesday, was seen laughing with the Indigenous Australian elder 

Prince Charles, who began the national tour on Wednesday, was seen laughing with the Indigenous Australian elder 

The Aboriginal elder appeared to be explaining to the British royal how the hand-crafted boomerang works  (pictured)

The Aboriginal elder appeared to be explaining to the British royal how the hand-crafted boomerang works  (pictured)

Prince Charles tried out a boomerang, a traditional wooden hunting weapon, while he was taken for a walk through the Daintree Rainforest, south of Cape Tribulation.

The Aboriginal elder invited the 69-year-old to take part in a Welcome to Country smoking ceremony.

Native plants are burnt during the ancient ritual to ward off bad spirits, acknowledge ancestors and pay respect to the land and sea of the country.

Prince Charles, who began the national tour last week, was seen sharing a laugh with the Indigenous Australian elder before taking part in the cleansing ceremony.

The Kuku Yalanji Aboriginal elder took the British royal on a guided walk of Ngadiku Dreamtime where he explained the relationship they have with the tropical rainforest dating back 50,000 years. 

After the ancient smoking ceremony, the prince - who is on his 16th trip of Australia, discussed protection issues and indigenous rights with a group of stakeholders. 

The Kuku Yalanji Aboriginal elder spoke about the relationship they have with the tropical rainforest dating back 50,000 years

The Kuku Yalanji Aboriginal elder spoke about the relationship they have with the tropical rainforest dating back 50,000 years

Prince Charles also took part in a traditional smoking ceremony with the Kuku Yalanji Aboriginal elder (pictured together)

Prince Charles also took part in a traditional smoking ceremony with the Kuku Yalanji Aboriginal elder (pictured together)

The pair took a walk through the Daintree Rainforest, far north Queensland, for the Welcome to Country smoking ceremony

The pair took a walk through the Daintree Rainforest, far north Queensland, for the Welcome to Country smoking ceremony

Native plants are burnt during the ancient ceremony (pictured) to ward off bad spirits and acknowledge ancestors 

Native plants are burnt during the ancient ceremony (pictured) to ward off bad spirits and acknowledge ancestors 

The Kuku Yalanji Aboriginal elder took the royal on a guided walk of Ngadiku Dreamtime (pictured), in far north Queensland

The Kuku Yalanji Aboriginal elder took the royal on a guided walk of Ngadiku Dreamtime (pictured), in far north Queensland

Earlier in the day, a woman who skipped school as a teenager in order to see Prince Charles at Cairns Airport in 1979 greeted the heir to the throne nearly 40 years after their first encounter.

Leila Sherwood, who made headlines at the age of 14 when she gave the British royal a kiss, greeted the Prince once again outside St John the Evangelist Church on Sunday.

Clutching a newspaper clipping from the time, the now 54-year-old was delighted to see Prince Charles.

She said: 'He held my hand and said "bless you" - I didn't want to let go of his hand!', reported the Bendigo Advertiser.

A woman who skipped school as a teenager in order to see Prince Charles at Cairns Airport in 1979 has greeted the heir to the throne nearly 40 years after their first encounter (pictured together in Cairns)

A woman who skipped school as a teenager in order to see Prince Charles at Cairns Airport in 1979 has greeted the heir to the throne nearly 40 years after their first encounter (pictured together in Cairns)

Leila Sherwood (pictured), who made headlines at the age of 14 when she gave the British royal a kiss, greeted the prince once again outside St John the Evangelist Church on Sunday with the newspaper clipping from the time
Prince Charles also greeted the Bishop of north Queensland (pictured)

Leila Sherwood (left), who made headlines at the age of 14 when she gave the British royal a kiss, greeted the prince once again outside St John the Evangelist Church on Sunday with the newspaper clipping from the time - Prince Charles also greeted the Bishop of north Queensland (right)

Leila said of their second meeting: 'He held my hand and said "bless you" - I didn't want to let go of his hand!' (both pictured outside the church)

Leila said of their second meeting: 'He held my hand and said "bless you" - I didn't want to let go of his hand!' (both pictured outside the church)

For the Sunday church service, Leila (pictured with Prince Charles) wore a black and red floral outfit, complete with a flower in her hair

For the Sunday church service, Leila (pictured with Prince Charles) wore a black and red floral outfit, complete with a flower in her hair

She wasn't the only delighted well wisher who travelled far and wide to see the heir to the throne (pictured with her newspaper clipping from 1979)

She wasn't the only delighted well wisher who travelled far and wide to see the heir to the throne (pictured with her newspaper clipping from 1979)

Leila wasn't the only person from Far North Queensland who came out to see the British royal. 

The 69-year-old was also greeted by the Bishop of north Queensland, alongside parishioners including those who provided Anglicare services to the community - before he attended a regular service alongside parishioners at 10.30am on Sunday. 

An Aboriginal woman named after Queen Elizabeth was overcome with emotion while meeting the Prince.

Elizabeth Kulla Kulla yelled out to the heir to the throne from behind the barricade as he left a church service at St John the Evangelist Anglican Church on Sunday morning.

'Excuse me Prince Charles, can I shake your hand?,' she said. 'I'm an Aboriginal woman, please can I shake your hand for the first time.' 

Prince Charles attended a regular service alongside parishioners at 10.30am on Sunday (pictured)

Prince Charles attended a regular service alongside parishioners at 10.30am on Sunday (pictured)

An Aboriginal woman named after Queen Elizabeth was overcome with emotion while meeting the prince (both pictured)

An Aboriginal woman named after Queen Elizabeth was overcome with emotion while meeting he prince (both pictured)

Elizabeth Kulla Kulla yelled out to the heir to the throne from behind the barricade as he left a church service at St John the Evangelist Anglican Church on Sunday morning (both pictured)

Elizabeth Kulla Kulla yelled out to the heir to the throne from behind the barricade as he left a church service at St John the Evangelist Anglican Church on Sunday morning (both pictured)

The royal spent 15 minutes mingling with the congregation over a cup of tea after the church service, before he departed for a tour of HMAS Cairns (pictured)

The royal spent 15 minutes mingling with the congregation over a cup of tea after the church service, before he departed for a tour of HMAS Cairns (pictured)

Charles immediately walked over to Ms Kulla Kulla and shook her hand, as she told him she was named after his mother.

Following the interaction the young woman collapsed in tears into the arms of her sister.

Still overcome with emotion a few minutes later, Ms Kulla Kulla said it was the first time she had seen a prince in real life.

'I don't know he's going to come to me,' she said.

Charles immediately walked over to Ms Kulla Kulla and shook her hand, as she told him she was named after his mother (pictured together)

Charles immediately walked over to Ms Kulla Kulla and shook her hand, as she told him she was named after his mother (pictured together)

Prince Charles (pictured on Sunday) was later given a copy of author Pamela Allen's, Who Sank The Boat? by Townsville woman, Alycia Loane, who wanted him to give it to Princess Charlotte and Prince George's new sibling when they are born

Prince Charles (pictured on Sunday) was later given a copy of author Pamela Allen's, Who Sank The Boat? by Townsville woman, Alycia Loane, who wanted him to give it to Princess Charlotte and Prince George's new sibling when they are born

Prince Charles will go home with a special gift for his newest grandchild, who is due this month.

Townsville woman Alycia Loane travelled four and a half hours from Townsville to give him a copy of author Pamela Allen's, Who Sank The Boat?

Ms Loane said it was her children's favourite book, so she wanted to pass it onto Prince George, Princess Charlotte and their new baby brother or sister.

'He asked if it was for him and I said "oh no not really but if you could please pass it on, on our behalf",' Ms Loane said. 

The royal spent 15 minutes mingling with the congregation over a cup of tea after the church service, before he departed for a tour of HMAS Cairns. 

The 69-year-old wore his sunglasses while attending a ceremony during his visit to HMAS Cairns in Cairns, north Queensland 

The 69-year-old wore his sunglasses while attending a ceremony during his visit to HMAS Cairns in Cairns, north Queensland 

Prince Charles presented the Duke of Gloucester Cup (pictured) to Lieutenant Commander Dean Battilana of the Hydrographic Ship Blue crew onboard HMAS Leeuwin

Prince Charles presented the Duke of Gloucester Cup (pictured) to Lieutenant Commander Dean Battilana of the Hydrographic Ship Blue crew onboard HMAS Leeuwin

The Prince of Wales greeted and shook hands with a number of officers during his fast-paced visit to HMAS (pictured)

The Prince of Wales greeted and shook hands with a number of officers during his fast-paced visit to HMAS (pictured)

The British royal was shown around the HMAS Cairns during his visit to north Queensland on Sunday 

The British royal was shown around the HMAS Cairns during his visit to north Queensland on Sunday 

Prince Charles appeared to be adjusting his collar during a ceremony in Cairns as he sat beside officials 

Prince Charles appeared to be adjusting his collar during a ceremony in Cairns as he sat beside officials 

A number of sailors (pictured) were able to meet the prince as they lined up to be inspected by the heir to the throne 

A number of sailors (pictured) were able to meet the prince as they lined up to be inspected by the heir to the throne 

Later on Sunday, Prince Charles met with defence personnel at HMAS Cairns (pictured)

Later on Sunday, Prince Charles met with defence personnel at HMAS Cairns (pictured)

The Duke of Gloucester Cup (pictured) was presented by the 69-year-old at HMAS Cairns, before he departed for Darwin

The Duke of Gloucester Cup (pictured) was presented by the 69-year-old at HMAS Cairns, before he departed for Darwin

Since he arrived in Australia for the Commonwealth Games, Prince Charles has been enjoying a packed-out schedule (pictured at HMAS Cairns)

Since he arrived in Australia for the Commonwealth Games, Prince Charles has been enjoying a packed-out schedule (pictured at HMAS Cairns)

Since he arrived in Australia for the Commonwealth Games, Prince Charles has been enjoying a packed-out schedule.

As well as speaking at an event in Brisbane, attending the Commonwealth Games Opening Ceremony, touring the famous local rum distillery in Bundaberg and visiting Port Vila Central Hospital and Great Barrier Reef, the prince also made a day trip to the South Pacific island of Vanuatu on Saturday.

Donning a grass skirt and a white garland, the heir to the throne was made a high chief in a colourful ceremony.

In the tradition of the Malvatumauri Council of Chiefs, Charles took part in a series of rituals as he was given the high chief name of Mal Menaringmanu.

The Prince also took a sip from a cup of special kava, known as Royal Kava, before planting two trees.

The drink is reserved for special occasions and was only last consumed when the Duke of Edinburgh visited the island in 1974.

He delighted the crowds - who had turned out in their thousands - with the traditional greeting of 'Halo yufala euriwan', meaning 'hello everybody'. 

There was a large crowd watching the ceremony  with many onlookers capturing the royal moment on their smart phones

There was a large crowd watching the ceremony with many onlookers capturing the royal moment on their smart phones

The Prince of Wales shook hands with a guest before receiving flowers from young girl, Victoria McSadden (pictured)

The Prince of Wales shook hands with a guest before receiving flowers from young girl, Victoria McSadden (left and right)

Britain's Prince Charles greets sailors onboard HMAS Leeuwin during his visit to HMAS Cairns in Cairns on his last day of tour

Britain's Prince Charles greets sailors onboard HMAS Leeuwin during his visit to HMAS Cairns in Cairns on his last day of tour

The prince explored the HMAS Leeuwin as well as taking a look at the bridge (pictured) 

The prince explored the HMAS Leeuwin as well as taking a look at the bridge (pictured) 

The prince has emphasised his fondness for Australia, which he first visited 52 years ago (pictured at HMAS Cairns)

The prince has emphasised his fondness for Australia, which he first visited 52 years ago (pictured at HMAS Cairns)

'When I first came to Australia, Australian manhood was partly defined by how many schooners of beer you could line up on the bar - and drink - before the pubs closed early,' Prince Charles (pictured) said

'When I first came to Australia, Australian manhood was partly defined by how many schooners of beer you could line up on the bar - and drink - before the pubs closed early,' Prince Charles (pictured) said

The next leg of his trip will see Prince Charles head to Darwin, where he will conclude his time in Australia.

The Prince has emphasised his fondness for Australia, which he first visited 52 years ago.

'When I first came to Australia, Australian manhood was partly defined by how many schooners of beer you could line up on the bar - and drink - before the pubs closed early,' he said.

Highlighting once again the challenges facing the environment, he warned that 'we are destroying our own life support systems, along with our children's and grandchildren's' future'.

Describing Australia as 'an example for us all', Charles hailed 'Aussie values' as a force for good.

He added: 'Amidst all this, the Aussie character that is so exemplified by the concept of fairness and 'fairgo' is what I believe the world needs so desperately and so urgently - a 'fairgo' for people, our planet and for nature herself'.

The comments below have been moderated in advance.

The views expressed in the contents above are those of our users and do not necessarily reflect the views of MailOnline.

We are no longer accepting comments on this article.