Despite his ongoing cancer battle, King Charles is set to make his first trip to Australia as Monarch in late 2024.
Buckingham Palace confirmed on July 14, 2024 that the King and Queen 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 of the royal’s trip.
“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.”
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 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 travelling to Samoa for the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting.
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.
Charles and Camilla last visited Australia in 2018.
(Getty) (Credit: (Getty))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 from 21 to 25 October in 2024, the CHOGM occurs every two years and features leaders from the 56 Commonwealth member nations.
The late Queen Elizabeth’s final visit to Australia was in 2011.
(Getty) (Credit: (Getty))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.
Anthony Albanese and King Charles last met in May 2023 at Buckingham Palace.
(Getty) (Credit: (Getty))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.
