King Charles and Queen Camilla are preparing to say “G’day” to Australia.
Buckingham Palace confirmed on Sunday, July 14, that Charles, 75, and Camilla, 76, are heading to Australia and Samoa in the fall.
The tour has been mooted for some time, as the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting is at the Pacific Island nation of Samoa this year and Charles was expected to attend the gathering of 56 nations. But, as he continues his cancer treatment, aides have been cautious about his plans.
This will be the first time Charles has been to Australia — a senior member of the Commonwealth — since he became monarch in September 2022.
To mark the news, new portraits of the couple wearing their Australian and, separately, New Zealand decorations/insignia — taken in the White Drawing Room at Buckingham Palace by Millie Pilkington — were also released on Sunday.
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Buckingham Palace said the visit to Australia was at the request of that country’s government. The couple will attend engagements across the Australian Capital Territory and New South Wales.
During their time in Samoa, they will celebrate the strong bilateral relationship between the Pacific Island nation and the U.K.
He and Camilla would usually visit neighboring New Zealand as well on any long-distance trip like this, but that has been ruled out this due to medical advice. A spokesperson explained that “the King’s doctors have advised that such an extended program should be avoided at this time, to prioritize His Majesty’s continued recovery.”
“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,” the spokesperson added.
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Buckingham Palace added that the couple “send their warmest thanks and good wishes to all parties for their continued support and understanding.”
The tour of Australia is relatively limited compared to previous visits. The palace spokesperson explained that this is also due to Charles’ ongoing recovery: “The King’s doctors have advised that a further extension to Their Majesties’ trip should be avoided at this time, to prioritize His Majesty’s continued recovery. As with all His Majesty’s recent engagements, his program in both countries will be subject to doctors’ advice, and any necessary modifications on health grounds.“
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Charles made a return to public-facing royal duties in late April after revealing his cancer diagnosis in February.
The dates for Charles and Camilla’s trip will be revealed nearer the time. The Commonwealth Heads of Government gathering begins Oct. 21.
