Ammon News - During his tour of Australia on Wednesday, His Majesty King Abdullah II witnessed a "Smoking Ceremony" —an ancient tradition of Australia's Indigenous peoples and an integral part of the official reception protocol for the governor-general of Australia— as reported by the Royal Hashemite Court on its social media platforms.

These ceremonies are overseen by Indigenous representatives and involve the burning of native plants such as eucalyptus or emu bush to welcome visitors to the land and honor its original inhabitants.

Holding smoking ceremonies when welcoming visiting dignitaries and heads of state, as well as new citizens, is an established tradition at the governor-general’s residence and during official state events.

Recent official visits featuring these ceremonies include that of King Frederik X and Queen Mary of Denmark, who were welcomed with a smoking ceremony upon their arrival at Government House in Canberra in March 2026, as well as European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, who participated in the ceremony during her visit that same month.