King Charles III and Queen Camilla are set to embark on their first international tour since the monarch's cancer diagnosis, with visits planned for Australia and Samoa in October. The trip will include stops in the Australian Capital Territory and New South Wales, as well as a formal state visit to Samoa for the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting.
Charles, who ascended to the throne in September 2022, has been making a gradual return to public duties following his diagnosis earlier this year. The decision to undertake such a long journey is seen as a significant milestone in his recovery process.
The visit comes at an important time for the monarchy, with growing calls for Australia to become a republic and ditch its ties to the British crown. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese's Labour Party supports this move, but there is no clear timeline for another referendum on the issue.
Despite potential opposition, Charles is expected to be welcomed by fans waving the flag and singing 'God Save the King.' However, he may also face anti-monarchy voices in a country where 45% of voters supported creating an Australian republic in a 1999 referendum.
The tour marks a watershed moment for Charles as he tries to shore up support for the monarchy at home and abroad. It will be the first time since his ascension that he visits one of the 14 countries outside the United Kingdom where he is head of state, a link that is both a source of pride and an unwelcome reminder of Britain's colonial dominance for some.
The visit to Australia will span 12 time zones and test Charles' stamina as he continues his recovery. The program in Australia will be limited due to medical advice, with engagements planned 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.
The tour comes at a time when Charles' health problems have highlighted challenges faced by a slimmed-down royal family as they pledge to cut costs. With fewer working royals available to carry out engagements, remaining family members have been forced to take on more events.
Princess Anne was briefly hospitalized last month after an accident involving a horse left her with a concussion. Queen Camilla and Prince Edward have also taken on additional responsibilities in recent months.
The dates for Charles and Camilla's tour will be revealed nearer the time, with the Commonwealth Heads of Government gathering beginning on October 21.