A Sydney man has told 9News the incredible story of how he taught King Charles to surf at Bondi Beach when the monarch was still a prince and he was just a teenager.
Bondi Local Peter Koutouzis was 15 years old when he bumped into the then 29-year-old Prince Charles at Bondi Beach in November 1977.
Koutouzis joined the prince for a 7am paddle and surf, teaching the future king how to ride the waves.
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Today, three days before the King comes back down under, Koutouzis recalled the day they met.
He was approaching Bondi Beach with his friends when he noticed the surf club setting up their patrols for the day.
One of the lifeguards, who knew Koutouzis, asked him if he wanted to teach someone how to surf, but didn’t specify who.
Then, Prince Charles approached with a group of people.
“I never knew who this person was, it didn’t come to light until introductions were made… We shook hands.”
“It was a surprise… There I was in my speedos and wet [suit] … [and I’m] looking at him and thinking.. ‘wow’.”
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The two men set out on the surf together, without his security guards and away from the usual crowds.
“We just talked, greeted one another, we talked about how to understand the board, how to balance, how to ride, paddling with the wave.”
“He wanted to do it on his own… He did a good job!”
“He was excited for the opportunity to keep away from a lot of people and do something different,” Koutouzis said.
“He wasn’t reliant on anyone and his minders were distances away.”
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After their time in the water was over, he went home and told his family what happened.
“You know I told my family I said you won’t believe it… I met the prince of England, the future king down at the beach,” he told 9News.
“They just said, ‘Stop it, mate… Please, you talk about everyone like that.’ They didn’t believe me!”
King Charles will return to Australia this week, with Bondi Beach not on this trip’s itinerary.
But Koutouzis says there’s an open invitation to return.
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