Despite his ongoing cancer battle, King Charles is set to make his first trip to Australia as Monarch in late 2024.
Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese confirmed on March 3, 2024, that the King will be visiting Australia this year.
“The King has shown his compassion for Australians affected by recent natural disasters, just as Australians have shown compassion and support for the King following his cancer diagnosis,” Anthony Albanese said.
“The King, Queen and members of the Royal Family are always welcome in Australia. My Government is engaging with States and Territories on options for a possible Royal visit.”
KING CHARLES TO SCALE BACK AUSTRALIA TOUR
Initially, Charles and Camilla were set to tour Australia as part of a long-haul trip, with visits to neighbouring countries including New Zealand.
However, amid fears that the King is doing too much, their visit to New Zealand has reportedly been scrapped. A source told The Daily Mirror: “Naturally, it will be a bitter disappointment on both sides to not have the opportunity for the King and Queen to visit New Zealand.
“But all are aware of the King’s ongoing health issues and the need for him to pace himself. It’s very much hoped there will be further opportunities in the future.”
Insiders reveal that the Australian leg of the tour will now be reduced to just six days, with Charles and Camilla taking a two-day break before travel to Samoa for the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting.
PLANNING HAS YET TO BE FINALISED
Buckingham Palace has yet to formally announce the visit as the travel plans are apparently still in the early stages. However, Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has confirmed Charles and Camilla’s expected attendance.
A government spokesman told The Australian newspaper that “the Prime Minister enjoys a warm relationship with the King and looks forward to welcoming His Majesty to Australia later this year”.
In a new book based on King Charles, the author, Robert Hardman explained that he believes the King has a loving relationship with Australia after he spent time here during his schooldays.
HIS FIRST VISIT SINCE BECOMING KING
King Charles’ visit to Australia will be his first since becoming King, and will be the first visit to Australia by a ruling British monarch since Elizabeth II visited in October 2011.
The royal tour will coincide with the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) in Samoa, at which both Charles and Camilla are expected to attend.
Taking place in October, the CHOGM occurs every two years and features leaders from the 56 Commonwealth member nations.
The last time the British royals visited Australia was in April 2018, when they represented Queen Elizabeth at the Commonwealth Games on the Gold Coast, and opened the ceremony.
The late Queen Elizabeth II visited Australia 16 times over the course of her reign, each time accompanied by her husband, Prince Philip who sadly passed away April 2021. Her first visit to Australia as Monarch was in 1954, with her final trip being in October 2011.
It is a significant event for King Charles as it marks his first royal tour of Australia since becoming the reigning monarch, and will be the first time for the Australian people to see their new King.
Since becoming King and Queen, Charles and Camilla have completed state visits to Germany, France and Kenya, and have hosted leaders from around the world.
In May 2023, Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese met with King Charles at Buckingham Palace ahead of the King’s coronation.
ProfileCharlotte Knoke
Charlotte Knoke is a digital content producer working across Now To Love, Woman’s Day and TV Week at Are Media. She writes about all things entertainment and lifestyle and has a keen interest in pop culture, royals, fashion, books, travel and women’s sport. Charlotte graduated from the University of Technology Sydney in 2023 with a Bachelor of Communication where she majored in Public Communication and minored in Social and Political Sciences. She has previously worked at a wide variety of companies including Netball Australia, Booktopia, Sportsgirl and Women’s Sport Australia. At these various companies, Charlotte gained valuable experience in a range of different areas including marketing, communication, social media, copywriting, public relations and journalism. In her current role as a digital content producer, Charlotte particularly enjoys writing about the latest TV shows, celebrity news, fashion picks, upcoming movies, shopping content and news about both the British and international royal families.
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