King Charles and Queen Camilla are set to embark on their first visit to Australia since taking the throne.
As reported by the Daily Mirror, their six-day tour will be followed by a trip to visit the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting in Samoa as part of their regional tour in October.
Although Buckingham Palace has yet to confirm the news, officials are reportedly finalising the plan and will make an announcement in the coming weeks.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese had previously expressed his anticipation for the royal visit, mentioning the king’s compassion for Australians affected by natural disasters and noting that Australia is looking forward to welcoming the royal couple.
However, concerns over King Charles’ health have led to a scaling back of their Down Under trip, with a planned visit to New Zealand likely to be postponed. Charles, who continues to undergo weekly treatment for cancer diagnosed in February, returned to public duties only at the end of April. Despite his initial determination to make up for lost time, doctors have advised him to reduce his commitments.
The tour will include a visit to the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting in Samoa, marking a significant occasion for Charles. The Australian leg of the tour will be condensed to around six days, with a break of up to two days before the royal couple travels to Samoa for three days.
Charles and Camilla’s last visit to Australia was in 2018 to attend the Commonwealth Games on the Gold Coast. Their previous visit in 2012 included stops in Papua New Guinea and New Zealand, commemorating the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee. The last major royal tour of the combined region was undertaken by the Duke and Duchess of Sussex in 2018, covering Australia, New Zealand, Fiji, and Tonga. As Prince of Wales, King Charles has visited New Zealand 10 times, including three visits with the Queen during her tenure as Duchess of Cornwall.