A Royal Tradition
The National Pharmacies Royal Family is a cherished tradition dating back to 1939, when the first Queen was appointed to help with wartime fundraising. It wasn’t until 2009, that the Queen and Princesses were joined by a Pageant King and Princes.
Today, the Royal Family are carefully selected from National Pharmacies staff who submit an expression of interest before sitting an interview with the judging panel. It is customary for the Royal Family to uphold National Pharmacies core value of giving back to the community and sharing a passion for the Pageant.
During their reign, the duties of the National Pharmacies Royal Family not only include welcoming Father Christmas on Pageant Day but also sharing the joy and spirit of the event with communities in the lead up to the event.
The 2026 National Pharmacies Christmas Pageant Royal Family has officially been announced.
2026 Royal Family
Queen Alex
Pharmacist & Clinical Compliance Officer
Queen Alex is a pharmacist and Clinical Compliance Officer at National Pharmacies, who is proudly connected to both city and country communities as she balances life and work between Adelaide and Bordertown. Living with Type 1 diabetes, Alex is passionate about advocating for people with diabetes and raising awareness of the realities of living with the condition.
Known for being kind-hearted, organised and reliable, Alex grew up attending the National Pharmacies Christmas Pageant and loves the way it brings people together. As part of the 2026 National Pharmacies Royal Family, she is excited to represent National Pharmacies, give back to the community and help create a memorable Pageant experience for families across South Australia.
King Michael
Stock Integrity Manager
King Michael Groth has been part of National Pharmacies for 25 years, beginning as a part-time team member before moving into store management and joining Head Office in 2019. A proud Adelaide local with family roots in the Barossa, Michael has a special connection to the Pageant, which he remembers fondly from his childhood.
Known for being calm, friendly, helpful and trustworthy, Michael is passionate about family, enjoying the outdoors and making the most of life. As a member of the 2026 National Pharmacies Royal Family, he is excited to represent National Pharmacies and help create lasting memories for children and families across South Australia.
Princess Ojus
Intern Pharmacist
Princess Ojus Sharma is an Intern Pharmacist at National Pharmacies’ Golden Grove store and moved to Australia in 2006. Originally from India, Ojus has embraced life in South Australia and is passionate about spending time with the people she loves.
Known for her positive attitude and infectious laugh, Ojus sees the National Pharmacies Christmas Pageant as a special tradition that can bring joy and light to the community. Having grown up watching the Pageant, she remembers it as an important introduction to South Australia and a place where she felt at home.
Ojus is excited to be part of the 2026 National Pharmacies Royal Family, fulfilling a lifelong dream of being a princess while giving back to the community and bringing plenty of fun and positivity to the Pageant.
Prince Vinny
Business Analyst
Prince Vinod, affectionately known as Vinny, moved to Australia 14 years ago and has been part of the National Pharmacies family 12 months, working in the Transformation Team as a Business Analyst supporting major projects. Family oriented and passionate about community, Vinny is known for being honest, caring and reliable.
Having learned about the National Pharmacies Christmas Pageant through his colleagues and neighbours, Vinny is excited to be part of the 2026 National Pharmacies Royal Family and make a difference to children across South Australia. For Vinny, the Pageant is about bringing the community together and creating meaningful memories for generations to come.
Princess Kristina
Optical
Princess Kristina Sarunic has been with National Pharmacies for seven months, working as Business Operations Manager for Optical and overseeing 19 optical practices across South Australia. Outside of work she enjoys quality time with her family, hiking, cooking and indoor rock climbing, and is involved with the Croatian Club.
Caring, empathetic, hardworking and a little bit cheeky, Kristina believes the National Pharmacies Royal Family should embody kindness, compassion and a genuine connection with the community. To her, the National Pharmacies Christmas Pageant represents the festive season and brings fun, joy, hope and optimism to generations of South Australians.
Kristina is excited to represent the community as part of the 2026 National Pharmacies Royal Family and help create a magical day for children and families across South Australia. She is passionate about supporting causes including the Royal Society for the Blind, KickStart for Kids and breast cancer charities.
Prince Isaac
Internal Communications & Platform Admin, Operations
Prince Isaac has been with National Pharmacies for almost two years, working in operations and providing direct support to stores. Outside of work, Isaac is passionate about running, regularly taking part in local parkrun events and volunteering in his community.
Known for his compassionate, positive and funny nature, Isaac is looking forward to being part of the 2026 National Pharmacies Royal Family after helping behind the scenes at last year’s Pageant. He is excited to give back, have fun and bring plenty of energy to the celebrations, while helping create joy and lasting memories for the community.
