The rebirth of Dumfries House has inspired the King to set up an Australian version of his King's Foundation charity.

Charles unveiled the plans for The King’s Foundation Australia at a special reception at Admiralty House in Sydney during his high-profile royal tour.

The charity’s first project will be as the custodian of the Hillview Estate in Sutton Forest, New South Wales, working to restore the historic property and its surrounding land.

Dumfries House serves as the headquarters of The King's Foundation after it was saved for the nation in 2007.Dumfries House serves as the headquarters of The King's Foundation after it was saved for the nation in 2007. (Image: Sharon Blackmore/Cumnock Chronicle Camera Club) Inspiration has been taken from the regeneration of Dumfries House, which now acts as The King’s Foundation’s headquarters after it was saved for the nation in 2007 by a consortium led by Charles as the Prince of Wales.

The King set up his original foundation, previously called The Prince’s Foundation, to train the next generation of skilled craftspeople – including in building, carpentry, fashion and textiles – in heritage techniques essential to many traditional industries.

READ MORE: King's Foundation celebrates 10 years of programme founded at Dumfries House

Practical education and training programmes in traditional and heritage craft will also be developed at Hillview.

Kristina Murrin, the Australian-born chief executive of The King’s Foundation, said the new foundation was a sign of Charles’s affection for Australia.

Dumfries House serves as the headquarters of The King's Foundation after it was saved for the nation in 2007.Dumfries House serves as the headquarters of The King's Foundation after it was saved for the nation in 2007. (Image: The King's Foundation) Ms Murrin said: “Establishing a permanent presence for The King’s Foundation here is testament to His Majesty’s affection for Australia and commitment to extending the reach of the sustainable communities work undertaken by The King’s Foundation elsewhere in the world.

“Dumfries House has been transformative for the local community and has pioneered nature-based learning for young people and adults alike, as well as placing traditional skills at the heart of the practical education courses offered across the estate.

“It is an exciting prospect to have the opportunity to apply what we have learnt since Dumfries House was saved for the nation in 2007 to the Hillview Estate.”

READ MORE: King visits Dumfries House to hear powerful testimony from men caught up in violence

Dominic Richards, chairman of The King’s Foundation Australia, said: “His Majesty’s vision of a world in harmony with nature is more relevant now than ever.

“As an Australian who personally benefited from The King’s Foundation’s education programmes 30 years ago, I am excited to see this work extend its transformative approach to communities in Australia.

The King, as Prince Charles, opened a new playpark in the grounds of Dumfries House in the summer of 2022.The King, as Prince Charles, opened a new playpark in the grounds of Dumfries House in the summer of 2022. (Image: PA) “Following the model established by His Majesty at Dumfries House, we hope to create a similar positive impact by providing employment and educational opportunities.”

The King’s Foundation Australia will build on existing sustainable community projects carried out by Charles’s charities in the country over the years.