Goulburn's most famous alpaca, Hephner, has had his first memorable brush with royalty and become a media sensation.
Hephner and owner, Robert Fletcher, were among a large crowd that assembled outside the Australian War Memorial on Monday, October 21, hoping to meet King Charles during his Australian tour.
They waited three hours to see the British monarch and Queen Camilla as part of their brief visit to the capital.
Decked out in a crown and cape, Hephner attracted the King's attention as he greeted well wishers.
"He asked me about his name and I explained that he was a support alpaca in nursing homes and health facilities," Robert said.
"Then he tickled his nose and Hephner sneezed, which took the King aback. He checked his jacket to make sure nothing flew out."
King Charles had a chuckle and reportedly said: "Bless you."
Robert's daughter, Shayla, also handed over a pair of Crookwell's Lindner Socks for the King and Queen. Days earlier, Robert and Hephner had visited the business to say hello and "do some quality control." Learning of the alpaca's impending royal encounter, owner Andrew Lindner passed on socks for the royal couple.
"It was just an amazing experience. We were lucky to get up close and personal," Robert said of meeting the King.
"I took Hephner because it was a once in a lifetime opportunity."
Hephner almost wasn't allowed in
But it was no certainty they'd gain entry at all. On arrival, a security guard was unsure whether Hephner should be allowed near the royals.
"I told him how quiet Hephner was and that he'd been to the War Memorial before and stood in the judge's box in the ACT Supreme Court," Robert said.
The security guard relented. Robert scouted for the best crowd position. Others followed, quipping that if they stood near the alpaca, the King was sure to stop.
Hephner lapped up the attention and took the royal meeting in his stride.
"I don't think he was any the wiser," Robert said.
"The thing for me was that Hephner was so composed throughout the three-hour wait.
"...It happened so quickly and my daughter couldn't believe she shook the King's hand. It was an amazing atmosphere, upbeat and everyone was waving flags."
Hephner's A-list life
It was just one more day in the life of Hephner. The nine-year-old alpaca is part of Fletcher's Ark Farmyard, west of Goulburn, where he mixes with llamas, miniature horses, goats, lambs, calves and eclectic collection of animals.
Robert bought Hephner as a stud for female alpacas and christened him. His calm temperament was readily apparent. Hephner is now a familiar face in aged care and health facilities where he cheers up residents and patients. He also visits schools and community organisations.
Hephner has toured Tasmania annually for Dolly's Dream, an initiative committed to addressing the impacts of bullying, anxiety, depression and youth suicide through education and direct support of people.
He's met the Governor General, politicians, radio personalities, singers and other high profile people.
Following his brush with royalty, Hephner and Robert have become media stars amid multiple national and international television and radio interviews.
Hephner isn't letting it go to his head. After meeting the King, he visited residents in his royal garb at Canberra's Clare Holland House for inpatients, much to people's delight.
On the weekend, he'll be shorn along with other alpacas on the farm before heading off to his next gig at Queanbeyan's Warrigal aged care facility.
"He's just so easygoing," Robert said.
