King Charles III and Queen visit to Australia and Samoa in October, marking a significant moment as the King embraces more public engagements amidst ongoing cancer treatment. This visit will include various activities in the Australian Capital Territory and New South Wales before they travel to Samoa for the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM).
Despite his diagnosis of an undisclosed form of cancer earlier this year, Buckingham Palace has confirmed that the King will proceed with this lengthy journey. However, it has been decided that the couple will not visit New Zealand due to medical advice against an extended stay for health reasons. The Palace stated,
Read Also: Experience the Best of Brisbane Southbank Parklands, Fortitude Valley and Moreton Bay
“In close consultation with the Australian and New Zealand prime ministers, and with due regard for the pressures of time and logistics, it has therefore been agreed to limit the visit to Samoa and Australia only.”
This visit will be particularly noteworthy as it marks King Charles’s first official trip to Australia as Monarch, and it will also be his first overseas tour since his cancer diagnosis. The couple’s itinerary in Australia includes stops in both the Australian Capital Territory and New South Wales.
While in Samoa, they will participate in the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting, which gathers delegations from the 56 Commonwealth countries. Further details regarding their itinerary are expected to be announced soon, and adjustments will be made based on medical advice.
The 75-year-old monarch last visited Australia in 2018 alongside Queen Elizabeth II for the Gold Coast Commonwealth Games. In the wake of his health challenges, Buckingham Palace announced in February that King Charles would temporarily reduce his public engagements. Although it was confirmed that his condition is not prostate cancer, it was discovered during treatment for an enlarged prostate.
Since then, the King has resumed public-facing engagements, speaking candidly about the “shock” of his diagnosis during a visit to patients at University College London Hospital in April. He has also continued his royal duties, commemorating significant events such as the 80th anniversary of D-Day and hosting discussions on youth crime.
Read Also: Beijing Offers 2 New Pandas to Australia
The monarchy’s relationship with Australia remains a topic of interest, especially following a narrow referendum vote in 1999 against cutting ties with the monarchy. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has historically supported a referendum on Australia becoming a republic, but the government has recently indicated that this is currently not a priority.
As King Charles III and Queen Camilla prepare for their upcoming journey, their visit underscores the balance between royal duties and personal health, demonstrating the ongoing relevance of the monarchy in contemporary society.
